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Stonewall campaign to overcome 'legacy' of section 28

Posted on 24th July 2008

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Teachers in state and private schools have been hampered by the "festering legacy" of section 28, it has been suggested.

According to communications officer at gay rights campaign group Stonewall Gary Nunn, school staff are struggling to understand how to deal with homophobic bullying following the abolishment of the controversial legislation.

Section 28, which was outlawed in 2003, prohibited the 'promotion' of homosexuality in schools.

Since then, Stonewall has developed the Education For All campaign, which Mr Nunn said is "geared towards undoing" the legacy left by this law.

He argued that there is a need to educate teachers to have the confidence to confront the issue of homophobic bullying, noting they lack this "because that law was in place and they were totally confused about what they were legally allowed to say and do".

According to the 2007 School Report, produced by the organisation, 75 per cent of young lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils at faith schools and 65 per cent at other schools have experienced bullying as a consequence of their sexuality.
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