Abolished Thatcher era anti-LGBT law could face public inquiry after petition
Margaret Thatcher. (Getty)
Section 28 – Margaret Thatcher’s infamous anti-LGBTQ+ law banning the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools and by local authorities – could be the subject of a public inquiry after a petition examining its long-term impact surpassed the 10,000-signature threshold.
The petition was created by Steven Jones, who said: “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’.
“Section 28 created a very hostile environment for young people and staff in secondary schools from its introduction in 1988 until its repeal 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 lives. A public inquiry is needed to assess the impact this had and to what extent the culture it created still exists today.”
The petition has amassed 15,741 signatures as of 17 June, meaning the UK government must now issue an official response.
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures before it closes on 24 September, 2026, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Section 28 was repealed at different times across the UK.
In Scotland, it was repealed in 2000 by the newly devolved Scottish Parliament under the Scottish Labour Party-Scottish Liberal Democrats coalition government. Donald Dewar was First Minister when the legislation passed, although he died shortly before it came into force and was succeeded by Henry McLeish.
In England and Wales, it was repealed in 2003 by the UK Labour government led by then-prime minister Tony Blair, under the Local Government Act 2003.
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