Congress 2013 Emergency Motion 03: Section 28 policies

Congress 2013

Congress notes the findings in August by the British Humanist Association that a number of 'free' schools have introduced Section 28 style policies banning the 'promotion of homosexuality'.

Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 stated that local authorities '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 policies are now directly enacted by the schools themselves so will bind teachers and non-teaching staff and promotes a state sanctioned view that homosexuality and same-sex relationships are not as acceptable as heterosexuality and opposite-sex relationships. This has the potential to cause serious harm to lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils, teachers and other staff.

Congress calls on the General Council to facilitate a coordinated campaign amongst affiliated unions representing staff in the Department for Education (and related arms-length bodies), staff within Local Authorities with responsibility around education, teachers and non-teaching staff within schools and colleges to:

promote and build on the exceptional work of 'Schools Out'

protect the rights of lesbian, gay and bisexual students and staff

highlight the positive impact policies protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pupils can have on the school experience

ensure all schools are aware of equality legislation and DfE guidance when updating sex and relationship policies.

Mover: Public and Commercial Services Union

Seconder: National Union of Teachers

Supporters: NASUWT

Association of Teachers and Lecturers