Current Version
| Region | England |
| Issue | Censorship of LGBT issues |
| Status | State-enforced |
| Start Date | May 24, 1988 |
| End Date | Nov 17, 2003 |
| Description | Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 stated that local authorities could 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". The law did not create a criminal offence, leaving staff to fear losing their jobs if they breached the rules. |
| Sources | https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/9/section/28 https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/1384014531S28Background.pdf |
Revision History (3)
edited by jadeywadey. fixed status and desc
Helpful?
0 | Old Value | New Value (Current) | |
|---|---|---|
| Value | Other punishment | State-enforced |
| Description | Section 28 was put in place during Margaret Thatcher’s government and prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities. This harmed LGBT+ support groups and prevented schools from discussing LGBT+ matters, impacts which have been felt for years after the law was repealed. | Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 stated that local authorities could 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". The law did not create a criminal offence, leaving staff to fear losing their jobs if they breached the rules. |
Show Difference | ||
| Sources | https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/9/section/28/enacted https://www.stonewall.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/18-november-2003-section-28-bites-dust | https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/9/section/28 https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/1384014531S28Background.pdf |
Show Difference | ||
| Old Value (Original) | New Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Value | (REMOVED) | Other punishment |
| Special Status | Ambiguous | Other punishment |
| End Date | Nov 18, 2003 | Nov 17, 2003 |
| Original entry | |
|---|---|
| Status | Ambiguous |
| Start Date | May 24, 1988 |
| End Date | Nov 18, 2003 |
| Description | Section 28 was put in place during Margaret Thatcher’s government and prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities. This harmed LGBT+ support groups and prevented schools from discussing LGBT+ matters, impacts which have been felt for years after the law was repealed. |
| Sources | https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/9/section/28/enacted https://www.stonewall.org.uk/our-work/campaigns/18-november-2003-section-28-bites-dust |