LGBT politicians back Lib Dem Leader on getting tough on homophobic bullying

LGBT politicians back Lib Dem Leader on getting tough on homophobic bullying.

19 Jan 2010

And we take a look at the anti-homophobic bullying project that's already working with faith schools.
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By Joanne Dunning

Last week, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg proposed that all schools should teach that homosexuality is “normal and harmless”, he also said that schools should be legally obliged to implement anti-homophobic bullying policies and that gay civil partnerships should be replaced by marriage.

Clegg highlighted that faith schools, aswell as non-denominational ones should be legally obliged to have anti-homophobic bullying policies in force, at the moment faith schools are only required to talk about LGBT issues in line with their religious beliefs.

LGBT figures from across the North West’s political parties, like Clegg, have highlighted that more needs to be done to challenge homophobia in schools.

Matthew Sephton, Conservative Candidate for Salford and Eccles , said: "I believe it is absolutely vital that issues of bullying are tackled in all schools, whether they be faith schools or state schools. I personally would support any initiative that helps tackle bullying in schools, whether the motivation is race, religion, sexuality (or perceived sexuality) or indeed any other form of bullying."

"As long as bullying is not tackled in schools, the message we send out is that it is ok for some children and young people (and therefore adults) to single out other groups or individuals and treat them as being of less worth and therefore an acceptable target, which is totally unacceptable in this day and age."

"With regard to LGBT issues, I believe they should be discussed as part of a broader social curriculum and in sex education. This is necessary to help dispel myths and to enable young people who are considering their sexuality to do so in a safe and secure educational environment. Young people need to know they are not on their own and there is help and non-judgemental support for them every step of the way."

Anthony McCaul, Labour's Candidate for Manchester’s City Centre Ward added: “The legacy of Section 28 means that some teachers are still concerned about challenging the homophobic bullying agenda. It’s vital that schools challenge and tackle homophobic bullying and Labour is taking action to embed this within schools – through guidance for schools on prioritising and tackling this issue and through support for the work going on by beacon authorities like Manchester City Council. Manchester’s programme to tackle homophobic bullying in schools is leading the way and is something we should be proud of.

It’s shocking that any sort of preferential treatment should be given to any schools receiving state funding - faith school or not – it’s simply not on.”

Bev Craig, from LGBT Labour's National Committee echoed McCaul's views: "All schools should bear the responsibility of tackling homophobia, faith school or otherwise and LGBT Labour are currently working with Peers to table an amendment to the Equality Bill to ensure a current loophole which could potentially allow faith schools to discriminate, is closed. Freedom of belief should not mean freedom to discriminate.

"We need to work together to ensure that young people do not grow up with prejudices handed down from previous generations and schools are the key to addressing this. Training for teachers, classroom resources and subjects such as citizenship should be used to tackle homophobic prejudice at it's root. Local councils also need to pledge a commitment to funding work in their locality, and the work of Exceeding Expectations is to be commended."

Some faith schools are already taking it upon themselves to tackle the issue of homophobic bullying, and are proactively supporting their LGBT students.

The programme that McCaul and Craig highlight - Exceeding Expectations - has been working in Manchester schools for the last three year’s challenging the issue of homophobic bullying.

The project has worked hard to get its message into faith schools, and has received support from the Bishop of Mancheste r .

Charlotte Leather is an Anti-Bullying advisor for Manchester Healthy Schools , who along with Manchester City Council, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Hope Theatre Company and Manchester Community Health, are one of the partners who work on Exceeding Expectations, she says: ”We have been working hard to build a good working relationship with faith schools across Manchester and during anti-bullying week (Nov 2009), for the first time, performances were welcomed and received extremely well by the pupils of a faith school in the heart of the city.

"The initiative, which focuses on tolerance, respect and anti-discrimination , enables schools to challenge homophobia through theatre, education and policy development. With direct links to the government’s anti-bullying agenda and new DCSF guidelines, the performances are both relevant and necessary for promoting positive, anti-discriminatory attitudes across all schools, faiths and cultures. The school was very pleased with the results and has invited the initiative to return later in the year.”

To find out more about Exceeding Expectations, click here .

More useful links:

Liberal Democrats for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender action (DELGA) .