200 Years of LGBTQIA+ History

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2 July 2009

David Cameron Apologises for Section 28

Discrimination Legal UK Compensation

In 2009, Conservative Party leader David Cameron publicly apologised on behalf of his party for the introduction of Section 28, the legislation that had banned the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities. This apology marked a significant moment of political accountability and signalled a shift in the party's approach to LGBTQ+ issues.

Impact & Significance

Cameron's apology marked a significant shift in Conservative Party attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights and acknowledged the harm caused by Section 28. It signalled that political accountability for past injustices was possible and helped rebuild trust with the LGBTQ+ community.

Reference Record

Date
2 July 2009
Era
2000-2009
Sources
1

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Topic Guides

Section 28 Section 28 was a provision of the Local Government Act 1988 that restricted local authorities from intentionally promoting homosexuality or teaching the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.

Questions This Event Helps Answer

Q What was Section 28? Section 28 was a provision of the Local Government Act 1988 that restricted local authorities from promoting homosexuality or teaching that same-sex relationships were acceptable as family relationships.

Related Events

2006 Grant v United Kingdom 2007 Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 Passed

Sources

politics.co.uk legacy reference politics.co.uk
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