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Section 28 Repeal: 20th Anniversary — [Mr Virendra Sharma in the Chair]
29 November 2023
Lead MP
Ben Bradshaw
Exeter
Lab
Responding Minister
Stuart Andrew
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementHousingWomen & Equalities
Word Count: 11311
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Ben Bradshaw raised concerns about section 28 repeal: 20th anniversary — [mr virendra sharma in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks the Government to avoid repeating past mistakes by not reversing inclusive sex and relationship education in schools and ensuring guidance supports all young people. He also urges for action against conversion therapy and gender recognition reform blockades.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The lead MP is concerned about the historical impact of section 28, which he experienced personally and caused a culture of shame and silence for LGBT individuals. He notes that while there have been significant advancements since its repeal in 1988, recent years have seen worrying signs of renewed moral panic targeting transgender and non-binary people, with Britain's fall from being one of the best countries to live as LGBTQ+ to 17th in Europe. The MP also highlights hate crime against LGBT individuals increasing and stresses that some families are not supportive or affirming of their LGBT children, leading to issues such as homelessness among young LGBT people.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Describes his experience of growing up under section 28 with homophobic attitudes, noting that he did not overcome these until university. He praises the positive attitudes of his children's peer groups towards LGBTQ+ people.
Ashley Dalton
Lab
West Lancashire
Responded with 'In due course!'
Jamie Wallis
Lab
Swansea West
Jamie Wallis acknowledged the importance of setting standards and role models while also valuing public feedback, including from colleagues who may hold differing views. He emphasized the need to address hate crime numbers in Wales despite positive government actions and noted that it is a difficult time for many people due to the toxicity surrounding gender identity issues. Noted that even if a ban or Bill might not result in many prosecutions, it is important as a signal and marker for culture. Suggested using the fact that section 28 never yielded a prosecution but was still significant legislation.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Acknowledges the need for this debate but stresses the importance of parents having a say in their children's education, highlighting hundreds of emails from constituents on the issue.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Ms Cherry reminisced about the campaign against section 28 in Scotland, highlighting her involvement as a university student and the role of lesbian activists. She discussed the repeal process and emphasised the distinct nature of protections for same-sex attracted individuals compared to trans rights under the Equality Act 2010. Ms Cherry expressed concerns over modern pressures on young lesbians and the need for organisations like LGB Alliance to support them. Joanna Cherry took issue with another speaker's stance on amending the Equality Act to define sex as biological sex, stating her support for this amendment not out of hatred towards trans people but because it ensures women's rights to safety and privacy. She also mentioned concerns over male-bodied individuals in single-sex women's refuges and lesbians' inability to run exclusive events without men insisting on access. Asked about compensation for LGBT individuals who were humiliated and thrown out of the Army, suggesting the Government should give active consideration to financial compensation as recommended by the review.
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
West Tyrone
She recalled the historical context of Section 28 and expressed concern about public attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. She noted that only 27 years ago, such experiences were common, emphasizing the significant progress made since then. Kirsten mentioned a statistic where 75% of people surveyed in the past said being gay was 'mostly or always wrong', highlighting how societal views have changed. She also pointed out the harmful impacts of Section 28 on individuals' mental health and the ongoing issues like conversion therapy and gender recognition.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Thanked the Chair for saving the debate, congratulated the lead MP on securing it, and paid tribute to pioneers of gay rights. Mentioned personal experiences teaching in a school during section 28's implementation and how it hindered open discussion about LGBT issues. Criticised recent Conservative actions against LGBT+ people and called for action on conversion therapy, Gender Recognition Act reform, tackling hate crime, and non-homophobic/transphobic rhetoric.
Peter Gibson
Con
Bolton West
Peter Gibson discussed the progress made since the repeal of section 28, highlighting the positive changes in societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. However, he noted ongoing challenges such as the need for a ban on conversion practices and rising homophobic attacks. He also mentioned the importance of global efforts to support LGBTQ+ rights, referencing the situation in Ghana where being gay is illegal. Expressed frustration and disappointment over repeated promises that have not materialised for nearly 11 months, urging the Minister to provide some hope today.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Thanks the right hon. Friend for securing the debate, reflecting on personal experience under section 28 as a repressed young gay man. He highlights Wales's inclusive relationship and sexuality education curriculum that respects diversity. There is a significant problem with groups, often religious fundamentalists, spreading misinformation about what is actually taught in schools. Teachers do an excellent job in ensuring young people understand the inclusive society we live in.
Government Response
Stuart Andrew
Government Response
The Government Minister acknowledged the impact of section 28 and praised Britain's progress in LGBT rights. He noted that only 11% of the public approved of same-sex relationships when it was introduced but now the country celebrates Pride parades annually. The minister committed to continuing work on tackling issues related to conversion therapy, promising further details 'in due course'. He also highlighted the importance of inclusive education and support services for victims of conversion practices. The statutory guidance on relationships, sex and health education is under review with a public consultation planned in 2024. Additionally, he mentioned government actions such as an apology to LGBT veterans and commitments to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.