Homosexuality Promotion Banned In Britain (Press, 17 March 1988)
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Summary: Homosexuality Promotion Banned In Britain (Press, 17 March 1988)
On 17 March 1988, Britain's Parliament passed a contentious law prohibiting the "promotion" of homosexuality by local city councils, following a vigorous debate. The bill faced significant opposition from some Conservative members, who argued that it was bigoted and lacked a clear definition of what constituted promotion. The legislation was supported by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's government, which had a 53-seat majority in the House of Commons. Critics of the bill, including Labour MP John Cunningham, denounced the government for fostering bigotry. Homosexual rights groups expressed concerns that the ban would promote discrimination against homosexual individuals. However, the Minister of the Environment, Mr Howard, defended the measure as a means to prevent discrimination, specifically targeting the allocation of public funds that could provide preferential treatment for homosexual activities. He indicated that there was growing public concern over councils using taxpayers' money to assist gay individuals. During the parliamentary debate, Labour MP Chris Smith highlighted the ambiguous nature of the term "promotion," stating that without a proper definition, the law could adversely impact any local authority services designed to benefit or support the LGBTQ+ community. Proposed amendments from the Opposition to exclude measures aimed at combating discrimination were unsuccessful. The controversy surrounding the law also drew attention from prominent figures in the arts, including actor David Hockney and members of the Arts Council. They warned that the prohibition on promotion could inhibit artistic and literary activities that incorporate elements of homosexuality, creating potential censorship in creative fields.
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