The Government has rejected calls for a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, a controversial Thatcher-era law that banned the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities. The decision comes despite a petition signed by over 26,000 people.
The Section 28 Justice Coalition, a volunteer-run group campaigning on LGBTQ+ issues, had called for the inquiry as a first step towards justice, arguing it was needed to "assess the impact this had and to what extent the culture it created still exists today". The group also claimed 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hostile environment for young people and staff in secondary schools from its introduction in 1988 until it was finally repealed in 2003."
Government response
In its formal response to the petition, which reached 26,236 signatures and received backing from celebrities including actor Russell Tovey, designer Hannah Drakeford and Boy George, the Government said a public inquiry "would not establish any new facts."
"In light of the above we do not believe that establishing a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28 is the right approach, but we do recognise the significant impact it has had on those who lived through it, including following its repeal," the response read.
"Public inquiries are typically used to establish facts about what happened and why, and to learn from events in order to reduce the likelihood of something similar happening in future. Since the law was passed in Parliament, its origins and motivations are already on the public record. A public inquiry would not establish any new facts."
The response concluded: "The Act and its impacts continue to be a relevant topic during discussions on LGBT+ equality policy, so the mistakes of the past are never repeated."
Campaigners' disappointment
The Section 28 Justice Coalition said it was disappointed with the response, which it felt focused on progress for LGBTQ+ communities generally rather than the core issue of the petition.
In a statement, they said: "We are disappointed the Government response has focussed on progress for LGBTQ+ communities generally rather than the core issue of the petition — an apology for the harms caused by Section 28, hearing the impact this law had from people impacted, and to learn lessons that can be put into action now to stop LGBTQ+ censorship."
The coalition believes a public inquiry is a suitable process to achieve these aims and remains open to working with the Government to explore other routes. The petition remains open until 24 September 2026.
What was Section 28?
Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 stated that local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales "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 legislation came into effect on 24 May 1988 during Margaret Thatcher's premiership. It remained law in England and Wales until 2003, and in Scotland until 2000. Schools and council services interpreted it as meaning staff could not discuss same-sex relationships, even when asked for support. Campaigners argue its long-term impact has never been formally acknowledged by any UK government.
The coalition is seeking a meaningful apology from the UK Government, recognition of survivor testimonies, and publication of lessons learned from Section 28, along with a commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ visibility in public life.
