Call for new legal duty on schools to educate about gay sexuality and gay safer sex, and to stamp out homophobic prejudice and bullying
Gay campaigners, MPs and London mayoral candidates are being criticised by OutRage! for making the misleading claim that Section 28 "prevents teachers from talking about gay issues and combating homophobic bullying".
"Section 28 prohibits the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities, but not by schools," said John Beeson of OutRage!.
"Although Section 28 affects schools in Scotland, it does not have any
influence over the curriculum in England and Wales.
"There is no ban on teaching about homosexuality or educating against
prejudice
Mr. Beeson has also warned that the "mere repeal" of Section 28 will not be sufficient to remedy the censorship of homosexual issues in schools, and the lack of support for lesbian and gay pupils.
"Section 28 must be replaced by new legislation placing a legal obligation
on all schools to provide honest, nonjudgemental information about
homosexuality and gay safer sex. There must also be a statutory requirement
that schools combat homophobic bullying.
"Section 28 does not apply to schools, except in Scotland. Since the
reorganisation of the education system, responsibility for the content of
the curriculum has been devolved to school governors acting in consultation
with headteachers, staff and parents.
"Section 28 prohibits the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities.
Since they no longer control what is taught in schools, Section 28 cannot be
used to prevent the teaching of gay issues in the classroom
According to fellow OutRage! campaigner Peter Tatchell:
"Section 28 does not place any restrictions on the English school
curriculum, and
MPs and London mayoral hopefuls are wrong to claim that it makes supportive
teaching on gay issues illegal.
"The big problem is that many teachers mistakenly believe
that Section 28 applies to schools.
This has led them to censor gay issues in the classroom.
"Homosexuality is often excluded from sex education and HIV prevention
lessons. A lot of teachers are afraid to give supportive advice and
counselling to lesbian and gay pupils, some of whom may be depressed or
suicidal as a result of ostracism and bullying. They erroneously fear
prosecution under Section 28.
"Section 28 must be repealed to clear up this confusion and
misunderstanding. In its place, schools should be legally obliged to give
pupils the facts about homosexuality and gay safer sex, encourage
understanding and tolerance, and validate the sexual and emotional feelings
of those who are homosexual.
"Unless the sympathetic teaching of gay issues is made mandatory, many
schools will continue to evade their responsibility to tackle homophobic
prejudice and bullying. Some teachers are themselves homophobic and many
feel uncomfortable or ill-equipped to talk about homosexuality.
"To ensure impartial, effective teaching on gay issues,
teachers need to receive specialist training
on how to discuss homosexuality and gay safer
sex in the classroom 
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