Petition grows for public inquiry into lasting harm of Section 28

Section 28, the Thatcher-era law that targeted LGBTQ+ people in schools and local authorities, may face formal scrutiny after a petition calling for a public inquiry passed the 10,000-signature threshold.

The petition, created by Steven Jones, urges the UK government to investigate the long-term impact of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, which barred local authorities from “promoting” homosexuality or describing same-sex relationships as a “pretended family relationship”. The law chilled discussion of LGBTQ+ lives across education and public services for years.

Jones’ petition states that the legislation produced “a very hostile environment for young people and staff in secondary schools” from 1988 until its repeal in 2003. It highlights how students were denied support at school and staff felt compelled to conceal their identities because they feared losing their jobs. The petition argues that the culture it entrenched still shapes LGBTQ+ people’s experiences and calls for a public inquiry to assess both its historic and ongoing effects.

As of 17 June, the petition had received 15,741 signatures, triggering the requirement for an official government response. If it reaches 100,000 signatures before closing on 24 September 2026, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

Section 28 was dismantled in stages across the UK. Scotland removed the provision in 2000 through its newly devolved Parliament, under the Scottish Labour–Scottish Liberal Democrats coalition, during Donald Dewar’s tenure as First Minister. Dewar died shortly before the repeal came into force and Henry McLeish succeeded him. England and Wales repealed Section 28 in 2003 under Tony Blair’s Labour government, via the Local Government Act 2003.

Calls for a full public inquiry reflect a wider demand for accountability, repair and inclusive policy that recognises the harm inflicted on LGBTQ+ pupils, educators and families. For LGBTQ+ professionals and allies who want to engage with this ongoing work and connect with inclusive employers and communities, signing up to myGwork offers a way to turn that commitment into practical action.