Manchester Gay and Lesbian Centre 49-51 Sidney Street Manchester M1 7HB
Friday 23rd July 2004
Dear Sir Sandy,
In March 2004 you re-worded what you once called Kent’s own ‘Section 28’ education policy to read: “the council shall not publish, purchase or distribute to children inappropriate material for any sex education, including the intentional promotion of homosexuality, but will encourage children to lead a healthy, fulfilling and meaningful life in which they respect themselves as individuals, whilst developing an understanding, tolerance and respect for others and their differences, treating all people as equal.”. Despite this we, as individuals and representatives of our respective organisations feel unhappy and insulted by the continued reasoning for the retention of the following phrases: “intentional promotion of homosexuality” “the council shall not publish, purchase or distribute to children inappropriate material” We would like to know why does Kent still uses the words 'promotion of homosexuality' (which is deeply offensive) in its policy? - when it is now commonly believed that sexuality cannot be promoted? If Kent County Council does choose to believe otherwise, we would like to know why homosexuality is still singled out? In regard to 'inappropriate material for any sex education’ could Kent County Council give clear examples of this material and also explain why it feels there is a need to have this policy when no other Council, be it city, county, town, parish or borough in the entire United Kingdom has anything similar as they and Kent County Council are already sufficiently covered by nationally applicable legislation. It appears clear that you are still “determined to continue in Kent the spirit and commitment of Section 28, irrespective of the Government's intentions” (Sandy Bruce Lockhart, Press Release February 4th 2000). We look forward to your response.
Yours faithfully, the undersigned: David Henry, President – The Queer Youth Alliance Mark Leach, President of Kent Labour Students, Kent Union Ethnic Minority Officer Sue Sanders, Chair - Schools Out Mike Eddy, Labour Leader of the Opposition - Kent County Council Alexander Hilton, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Canterbury Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive - Stonewall Jenny Broughton, National Co-ordinator - Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Darren Johnson, Green Party Member of the London Assembly Brett Lock, OutRage! David Graham, Consortium of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Organisations The Queer Youth Alliance is registered in England as a company limited by guarantee (number 5172723) The registered office is 41 Boundary Road, London NW8 0JE