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Section 28 refers to a part of the Local Government Act 1988, which stated that local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales "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[1]". It is sometimes referred to as Clause 28,[2] or as Section 2A in reference to the relevant Scottish legislation.[3]
The legislation came into effect on 24 May 1988[4] during Margaret Thatcher's premiership. It caused many organisations, such as LGBT student support groups to either close, limit their activities or to self-censor.[5] In addition, Section 28 had a widespread impact on schools across the United Kingdom. This was due to uncertainty around what constituted the "promotion" of homosexuality, leading many teachers to avoid discussing the topic in any educational context.[6]
Section 28 was first repealed in Scotland under the Ethical Standards in Public Life etc. (Scotland) Act 2000.[7] It was subsequently repealed in England and Wales in November 2003,[8] following New Labour's initial unsuccessful attempt to repeal the legislation under the Local Government Act 2000.[9]
- ^ "Local Government Act 1988". Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Public Attitudes To Section 28". Ipsos. 1 February 2000. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Section 28 (2A in Scotland) 1988-2000". www.ourstoryscotland.org.uk. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
- ^ "Section 28: impact, fightback and repeal". The National Archives. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "Knitting Circle 1989 Section 28 gleanings". Archived from the original on 18 August 2007. Retrieved 1 July 2006.
- ^ Greenland, Katy; Nunney, Rosalind (20 November 2008). "The repeal of Section 28: it ain't over 'til it's over". Pastoral Care in Education. 26 (4): 243–251. doi:10.1080/02643940802472171.
- ^ "The 20th anniversary of the repeal of section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988". House of Commons Library. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ "The 20th anniversary of the repeal of section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988". House of Commons Library. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
- ^ Lee, Catherine (2023). Pretended: Schools and Section 28. Historical, cultural and personal perspectives. Melton, United Kingdom: John Catt Educational Ltd. p. 92. ISBN 978-1915261694.