Abolished Thatcher era anti-LGBT law could face public inquiry after petition milestone

Abolished Thatcher era anti-LGBT law could face public inquiry after petition milestone A petition for a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28 and the "hostile environment" it created for LGBTQ+ people has passed 10,000 signatures, meaning the government are set to respond A petition calling for the government to launch a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28 of the Local Government Act (1988) has surpassed 10,000 signatures, meaning that government will respond to it. Section 28 Justice Coalition, a volunteer-run group from diverse backgrounds campaigning on several LGBTQ+ issues, have called for a public enquiry as the group's first step towards justice. They claim an inquiry is needed to "assess the impact this had and to what extent the culture it created still exists today". The petition, which has been signed by over 15,000 people and is still open for signatures, claims that Section 28 created "a very hostile environment for young people and staff in secondary schools from its introduction in 1988 until it was finally repealed in 2003." "Students were unable to get support at school and staff were forced to hide their identity, fearing they would be sacked. This hostile culture continued after repeal and impacts LGBTQ people throughout their life." Russell Tovey, designer Hannah Drakeford and Boy George have backed the campaign, sharing its materials online. Lord Michael Cashman, a co-founder of Stonewall, stated it's important to hold governments to account for past legislation, sharing his support for the petition. Sue Sanders, a co-founder of LGBTQ+ History Month and of the coalition itself, told Scene Mag that the legacy of Section 28 required formal examination, and argued that the policy had shaped attitudes beyond the UK and influenced similar measures internationally. What was Section 28 and how did it affect LGBTQ+ people? Section 28 refers to a part of the Local Government Act 1988, which stated that local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales "shall 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 legislation came into effect during Margaret Thatcher's premiership on 24 May 1988. It remained law in England and Wales until 2003, and in Scotland until 2000. This was interpreted by schools and other council services as meaning that staff could not talk about anything to do with same-sex relationships, even if someone asked them for support. Campaigners argue its long-term impact has never been formally acknowledged by any UK government. Who are the Section 28 Justice Coalition? According to their website, the Section 28 Justice Coalition were formed after attending the conference 'After Section 28: LGBTQ+ Rights in an Age of Censorship and Backlash' in February 2026. They want to "achieve justice for those who lived through Section 28" and to ensure that LGBTQ+ people are supported throughout their lives and in every area of society so that their experiences are not censored and so a culture of silence can never again prevail. If you would like to speak to an LGBT helpline please call Switchboard – they are open 7 days a week 10am – 10pm on 0800 0119 100. They also have an instant messaging service, which you can access through their website.