Event marks 20 years since Section 28 was repealed

Section 28 was passed under Margaret Thatcher's government in 1988

An event is being held to mark 20 years since a law which banned places like schools and libraries from "promoting homosexuality" was scrapped.

Section 28 of the Local Government Act was repealed in England and Wales in 2003.

An exhibition is taking place at the Millennium Library in Norwich on Saturday which has been organised by a number of local groups, including Norwich Trans Pride and Queer Norfolk.

The event involves a panel discussion, speeches and an archive donation station.

Organisers of the event say they want to educate people about the significance of Section 28 being repealed

The repeal of Section 28 meant teachers were able to include LGBTQ+ figures or topics in the curriculum, or provide support within schools.

"Section 28 reinforced the idea that LGBTQ+ relationships were something harmful whilst ironically endangering many LGBTQ+ individuals in the process," Adam Baker, from Queer Norfolk, said.

"Its repeal allowed for more open and honest conversations about LGBTQ+ issues in schools and wider society."

In 2009, the Conservative leader at the time, David Cameron, apologised for his party's past views and their part in the introduction of Section 28.

Campaigner Libs Olley describes Norwich as having a "wonderfully inclusive community"

Libs Olley, an organiser for Norwich Trans Pride, said that while the scrapping of Section 28 was a positive move for the LGBTQ+ community, bullying was still a big issue in schools.

"Just because Section 28 no longer exists, it doesn't mean that anti-LGBT views aren't still prevailing and having a big impact on people," they said.

"I would really like to reach more parents or people who work in and around schools and are maybe looking to learn a bit more about what LGBT students and young people feel in school and how they could get better support," they added.

In 2021, a survey by the campaign group Stonewall, suggested 45% of young people were bullied for being LGBT at school or college.