Not The 9 O’clock News (Press, 25 May 1988)
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Summary: Not The 9 O’clock News (Press, 25 May 1988)
On 25 May 1988, a group of four lesbians staged a high-profile protest during the BBC's main evening news programme, bringing attention to homosexual rights in front of millions of viewers. The incident unfolded when they interrupted the broadcast, causing chaos as newscaster Sue Lawley tried to maintain composure while delivering the news. She acknowledged the disturbance to the audience, stating, "I do apologise if you’re hearing quite a lot of noise in this studio at the moment," while the protesters shouted slogans like “Stop the clause,” which referred to a controversial piece of legislation prohibiting local councils from funding projects that presented homosexuality positively. Despite the disruption, Lawley remained professional, aiming to continue the broadcast to the best of her ability amidst the commotion. At the conclusion of the 30-minute show, she reassured viewers that the situation had been resolved, clarifying that the protesters had been removed by police and apologising for the disturbance. A representative for the protesters explained that their action was intended as a strong statement against section 29 of the Local Government Finance Bill, which was set to come into effect later that night. This protest followed an earlier incident where three lesbians had similarly made headlines by descending into the House of Lords on ropes, expressing pride in their identity amidst cheers from the public gallery. The bold actions of these activists reflected ongoing tensions and struggles surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the UK, highlighting the protests that sought to challenge public perceptions and government policies on homosexuality at the time.
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