Young Liberal Democrats launch ‘homophobia is gay’ campaign
Young Liberal Democrats have launched a ‘crucial’ campaign to stop homophobic bullying in schools.
The Liberal Democrat Youth and Students (LDYS) chose the Liberal Democrat Conference, which was held in Brighton last week, to launch the initiative.
The lynchpin of the campaign is hundreds of pink badges bearing the satirical slogan “Homophobia is Gay”. Bundles of the badges are being distributed to freshers fairs across the country and are available to new students via 150 dedicated LDYS stalls.
The pink badge initiative is part of a larger Liberal Democrat campaign calling for the Education and Inspections Bill to be amended. The LDYS wants elements of the bill to be changed, to include training for teachers on how to tackle homophobic bullying and specific policies on anti-gay bullying.
“As someone who came out at school at 17, I am delighted to see the Liberal Democrats leading the fight for LGBT equality,” said Mark Gettleson, Chair of LDYS. “The amendment will be a crucial step towards tackling the climate of fear for so many young people”
The campaign has already attracted support from groups also involved in tackling bullying in schools. “I am delighted by the LDYS’ spirited campaign,” said Denys Robinson, Chair of Trustees at EACH (Educational Action Challenging Homophobia). “I know it will resonate with many thousands of students both straight and gay.”
Support for the LDYS campaign can be shown online at www.standuptobullying.org
