PETITIONOpenPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Launch a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28 on LGBTQ people
We call on the Government to launch a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28 of the Local Government Act (1988) which specified that Local Authorities could not intentionally promote, through material or teaching, homosexuality or same-sex relationships as a 'pretended family relationship’
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
2,617
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 2,617/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 2,617/100,000
Background
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hostile environment for young people and staff in secondary schools from its introduction in 1988 until it was finally repealed in 2003.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.
A public inquiry is needed to assess the impact this had and to what extent the culture it created still exists today.