Clause 28 (also known as Section 28) enacted
May 1988
Section 28 of the Local Government Act (also known as Clause 28) became law on 24 May 1988 requiring that... 'A local government shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality' or 'promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship'
Background to the introduction of Clause 28
The 1980s were turbulent years politically in the UK. While manufacturing industry was being decimated by the Thatcher government's policies, causing mass unemployment and clashes with the unions, the more socially conservative elements in her government were looking at the ever more vocal gay rights lobby with alarm. The anti-gay hysteria whipped up by the irresponsible British press during the early years of the AIDS crisis gave them the excuse they needed to attack gay rights. A letter from the London Borough of Haringay's Lesbian and Gay Unit to all head teachers in the borough urging them to promote positive images of
homosexuality to their pupils, is often cited as the final straw.
A vicious backlash was provoked and Clause 28 was born. Using the review of the Local Government Act as a vehicle, Birmingham Edgbaston MP Jill Knight a traditional right-winger, sponsored an amendment initially Clause 27 but later Clause 28 or Section 28. It was initially a blow to the gay rights cause, but together with the response to the AIDS crisis it served to galvanise the disparate gay rights movement into action and heralded a massive politicisation of the gay community. Clause 28 marches and demonstration rallies were held throughout the country, most notably in Manchester in February 1988 and London the following month, both attended by a Birmingham Stop the Clause contingent. The response to the Clause also triggered the birth of national groups including Stonewall and Outrage!.
The repeal of Clause 28 was promised by Tony Blair in his pre-1997 election campaign but it was not actually repealed until 18 November 2003, although it had become redundant long before due to the Education Act 1996.
Jill Knight left parliament in 1992 and was made Dame Jill Knight for her services to Great Britain!
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