1988 section 28 makes it illegal to promote homosexuality

1988 section 28 makes it illegal to promote homosexuality.

Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 was a controversial British law that prohibited local authorities from “intentionally promoting homosexuality”. Enacted on May 24, 1988, under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, it remained in effect for 15 years before being fully repealed in 2003. 

Key Provisions.

The law added Section 2A to the Local Government Act 1986, specifically stating that a local authority shall not: 

• Intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of doing so.
• Promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a “pretended family relationship“. 

Origins and Controversy.

• Catalyst: The legislation was partly triggered by the children’s book Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin, which featured a girl living with her father and his male partner.
• AIDS Crisis: It was enacted at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, fuelling a climate of stigmatization against the gay community.
• Ambiguity: Critics argued the term “promote” was dangerously vague, leading to widespread self-censorship. 

Impact on Society.

• Schools: Teachers often feared providing support to LGBTQ+ students or challenging homophobic bullying, believing they might break the law.
• Public Services: Local councils withdrew funding for LGBTQ+ youth groups, arts projects, and support organizations.
• Chilling Effect: While no successful prosecutions ever occurred, the law fostered a culture of silence and shame that impacted a generation of LGBTQ+ people. 

Repeal and Legacy.

Section 28 was repealed at different times across the UK:. 

• Scotland: Repealed on June 21, 2000, by the Scottish Parliament.
• England and Wales: Repealed on November 18, 2003, via the Local Government Act 2003.
• Northern Ireland: The law never applied to Northern Ireland. 

In 2009, then-Conservative leader David Cameron formally apologized for the party’s role in introducing the legislation. As of 2026, the legacy of Section 28 continues to be cited in discussions regarding modern LGBTQ+ education and trans rights. 

These resources detail the controversial Section 28 law, including its provisions against promoting homosexuality, its impact on education, and its eventual repeal:

The community reaction to Section 28 (1988) was a watershed moment in British LGBTQ+ history, characterized by widespread anger, unprecedented mass mobilization, and high-profile acts of civil disobedience. 

Mass Protests and Marches.

• Manchester Demonstration (1988): On February 20, 1988, approximately 20,000–25,000 people marched through Manchester to protest the legislation. It remains one of the largest LGBTQ+ demonstrations in UK history and helped establish Manchester as a center for queer activism.
• Regional Rallies: Major protests also occurred in London, Leeds (with around 2,000 attendees), and Edinburgh. 

High-Profile Direct Action.

• BBC News Invasion: On May 23, 1988—the night before the law took effect—activists stormed the live set of the BBC’s Six O’Clock News. One woman chained herself to the newsreader’s desk while others shouted “Stop the Clause”.
• House of Lords Abseiling: In a dramatic display of defiance, several lesbian activists abseiled from the public gallery into the chamber of the House of Lords to protest the bill’s passage.
• “Coming Out” as Protest: Prominent figures used the controversy to publicly declare their sexuality. Actor Sir Ian McKellen famously “came out” live on BBC Radio 3 specifically to fight the clause. 

Political and Institutional Mobilization.

• Founding of Stonewall: The legislation directly catalysed the formation of Stonewall in 1989. Founded at Sir Ian McKellen’s home, its primary goal was the repeal of Section 28 and the establishment of a professional lobbying presence for LGBTQ+ rights.
• Outrage!:. The radical direct-action group OutRage! was also formed in 1990 as a more militant response to the law and the ongoing AIDS crisis.
• Union Resistance: Teachers’ unions, such as the National Union of Teachers (NUT), issued guidance to members to help them navigate the law’s vague wording and continue supporting students. 

Impact on the Community.

• Atmosphere of Fear: Despite no successful prosecutions, the law created a “chilling effect” where many teachers, students, and council workers felt forced into a “second life” of self-censorship for fear of legal repercussions.
• Unity: Ironically, the law “galvanised the gay community,” bridging gaps between previously disparate groups (such as political activists and those only involved in the “club scene”) to fight a common enemy.
• Counter-Reaction: The community’s protests were met with fierce support for the law from religious organizations, such as the Christian Institute and the Muslim Council of Britain, and tabloid newspapers like The Daily Mail and The Sun.

2026EXP