Post by PurplySparkleyJoey on Aug 19, 2002 12:04:09 GMT -5
Lesbian and gay rights campaigners are to present a 15,000 name petition to the prime minister in a bid to end the ban on local authorities promoting homosexuality.
The national petition, co-ordinated by lesbian and gay groups across the country, calls for the repeal of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 in which the Conservatives banned the "promotion of homosexuality in schools".
Jack Straw was committed to repealing Section 28
Members of YouthSpeak will join a cross party section of MPs and professionals to present the petition which marks the tenth anniversary of Section 28 passing into law.
Chris Morris, the chairman of YouthSpeak, said: "Section 28 has a devastating effect on the lives of young lesbians and gay men.
"We are taught that homosexuality is illegal and shouldn't be talked about or accepted. Debates are stifled and stereotypes and myths go unchallenged.
"Section 28 has cost lives. Young people are often denied information about safer sex which leaves them open to abuse and exploitation. Low self esteem and bullying have also been shown to lead to teenage suicide and drug abuse."
Home Secretary Jack Straw made a commitment to repeal Section 28 before the general election and gay rights' group Outrage! have passionately adopted the campaign.
Peter Tatchell - teachers impose self censorship
Peter Tatchell of Outrage! said: "The key point is that there is a massive censorship of gay issues. In schools, homosexuality is not mentioned in most sex education lessons.
"Owing to the reorganisation of the education system, Section 28 does not now apply to schools but many teachers mistakenly believe it does. This has led to a lot of self censorship by teachers.
"I believe there is a need for new legislation requiring all schools to provide honest, non-judgemental information about gay issues."
The national petition, co-ordinated by lesbian and gay groups across the country, calls for the repeal of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 in which the Conservatives banned the "promotion of homosexuality in schools".
Jack Straw was committed to repealing Section 28
Members of YouthSpeak will join a cross party section of MPs and professionals to present the petition which marks the tenth anniversary of Section 28 passing into law.
Chris Morris, the chairman of YouthSpeak, said: "Section 28 has a devastating effect on the lives of young lesbians and gay men.
"We are taught that homosexuality is illegal and shouldn't be talked about or accepted. Debates are stifled and stereotypes and myths go unchallenged.
"Section 28 has cost lives. Young people are often denied information about safer sex which leaves them open to abuse and exploitation. Low self esteem and bullying have also been shown to lead to teenage suicide and drug abuse."
Home Secretary Jack Straw made a commitment to repeal Section 28 before the general election and gay rights' group Outrage! have passionately adopted the campaign.
Peter Tatchell - teachers impose self censorship
Peter Tatchell of Outrage! said: "The key point is that there is a massive censorship of gay issues. In schools, homosexuality is not mentioned in most sex education lessons.
"Owing to the reorganisation of the education system, Section 28 does not now apply to schools but many teachers mistakenly believe it does. This has led to a lot of self censorship by teachers.
"I believe there is a need for new legislation requiring all schools to provide honest, non-judgemental information about gay issues."