Gay rights groups have called a day of protest in Kent, following the County Council's continued support of what has been dubbed the 'Son of Section 28'. The protest day, scheduled for Saturday 13th November, a year after the government repealed Section 28 in national law. Immediately after this landmark decision, however, Kent County Council chose to implement similar policies that prohibit the "promotion of homosexuality".
Queer Youth Protesting in Maidstone
The Queer Youth Alliance, who has led the campaign against against Kent County Council, says it hopes the protest will urge councillors to think again on this issue. "Kent's decision to hang onto this disgusting piece of legislation is a travesty for all of Kent's young people, gay and straight, and will only help to bring up another generation who think that homophobia is OK," Queer Youth president David Henry said in a statement today.
"Kent County Council continue to put the entire country to shame," Henry said today. "Homosexuality cannot be promoted like a brand of orange juice. Not being heterosexual isn’t a lifestyle choice - it’s a part of life and it’s about time they recognised that belief and enshrined it within their education service.” The protest day will begin at 1pm outside the County Hall in Maidstone and is set to feature guest speakers, a march and the petitioning of local people.
"This ludicrous policy is continuing to damage the lives of young gay men and women who are struggling with their sexuality, just as Section 28 did before its eventual repeal." The Queer Youth Alliance has also accused the council of contravening the Article 17 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This states that "children and young people have the right to information …especially those aimed at the promotion of his or her social, spiritual and moral well-being and physical and mental health”.
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