Menu
19/09/2003
'Deeply offensive' Section 28 clause repealed
Section 28, the controversial clause which banned local authorities from 'promoting' homosexuality, has been repealed following the Local Government Act's receipt of Royal Assent.
The pressure group for gay rights, Stonewall, welcomed the move saying that Section 28 had "stigmatised lesbian, gay and bisexual people since 1988".
The group said that the clause was "unnecessary" and only served to spread "confusion and fear".
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive, said: “Stonewall has worked long and hard to have this deeply offensive law overturned in England and Wales. An overwhelming majority of MPs and Peers voted to repeal the clause, supported by tens of thousands of lesbian, gay and bisexual people across the country.
“A minority of vocal bigots attempted to undermine the majority will of both Houses through a ‘Son of Section 28’ clause. Thankfully their scare-mongering tactics gained no ground against common sense and decency."
New devolved powers for local councils and new financial help for small businesses also became law today.
Also contained in the Local Government Act are provision to: allow councils to fund local improvements by borrowing money without government consent; give small businesses and community amateur sports clubs a reduction in business rates; introduce Business Improvement Districts to enhance town centres and other areas; and reward councils which promote business development in their areas by allowing them to keep a proportion of their local business rates.
Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said the new Act gives local authorities more freedom to make their own decisions, based on what is best for their area.
"We are determined to cut red tape and let councils get on with their main job - delivering good services to their communities," he said.
"All of this legislation is about building thriving, inclusive and sustainable communities and improving people's quality of life. That is our main goal. This includes repealing Section 28, an unnecessary and discriminatory law."
(gmcg)
The pressure group for gay rights, Stonewall, welcomed the move saying that Section 28 had "stigmatised lesbian, gay and bisexual people since 1988".
The group said that the clause was "unnecessary" and only served to spread "confusion and fear".
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall chief executive, said: “Stonewall has worked long and hard to have this deeply offensive law overturned in England and Wales. An overwhelming majority of MPs and Peers voted to repeal the clause, supported by tens of thousands of lesbian, gay and bisexual people across the country.
“A minority of vocal bigots attempted to undermine the majority will of both Houses through a ‘Son of Section 28’ clause. Thankfully their scare-mongering tactics gained no ground against common sense and decency."
New devolved powers for local councils and new financial help for small businesses also became law today.
Also contained in the Local Government Act are provision to: allow councils to fund local improvements by borrowing money without government consent; give small businesses and community amateur sports clubs a reduction in business rates; introduce Business Improvement Districts to enhance town centres and other areas; and reward councils which promote business development in their areas by allowing them to keep a proportion of their local business rates.
Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said the new Act gives local authorities more freedom to make their own decisions, based on what is best for their area.
"We are determined to cut red tape and let councils get on with their main job - delivering good services to their communities," he said.
"All of this legislation is about building thriving, inclusive and sustainable communities and improving people's quality of life. That is our main goal. This includes repealing Section 28, an unnecessary and discriminatory law."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2014
BAE Announce £300m Submarine Investment
More than £300m is to be invested by BAE Systems at its submarine shipyard in Barrow, Cumbria. The defence contractor has said that the investment will lead the way for what could replace the UK's Trident nuclear deterrent system, the Successor submarine.
BAE Announce £300m Submarine Investment
More than £300m is to be invested by BAE Systems at its submarine shipyard in Barrow, Cumbria. The defence contractor has said that the investment will lead the way for what could replace the UK's Trident nuclear deterrent system, the Successor submarine.
11 January 2005
Campaign launched to improve uptake of council tax benefit
The Government has launched a campaign encouraging pensioners in England, Scotland and Wales to check if they are paying too much council tax. Adverts in the national press carry the message 'cut your council tax – find out if you should be paying less.
Campaign launched to improve uptake of council tax benefit
The Government has launched a campaign encouraging pensioners in England, Scotland and Wales to check if they are paying too much council tax. Adverts in the national press carry the message 'cut your council tax – find out if you should be paying less.
03 September 2004
Health of millions of employees hangs on smoking ban: study
Local authorities are being urged to make all workplaces and enclosed public places smokefree after new research found that millions of UK workers are still operating in smoky environments.
Health of millions of employees hangs on smoking ban: study
Local authorities are being urged to make all workplaces and enclosed public places smokefree after new research found that millions of UK workers are still operating in smoky environments.
04 June 2004
Government is considering smoking ban, Blair reveals
The Prime Minister has revealed that the government is considering allowing local councils to ban smoking in public places. Mr Blair told BBC Breakfast that there was a difficult balance to be struck a 'nanny state' enforcing a banning order, and allowing local councils and individual businesses to choose how they want to approach the issue.
Government is considering smoking ban, Blair reveals
The Prime Minister has revealed that the government is considering allowing local councils to ban smoking in public places. Mr Blair told BBC Breakfast that there was a difficult balance to be struck a 'nanny state' enforcing a banning order, and allowing local councils and individual businesses to choose how they want to approach the issue.
06 July 2011
Radical Pension Changes To Affect Local Businesses
Private sector employers need to take action now to prepare for a significant overhaul of employee pension provision or face playing catch up on one of the biggest issues to impact the business community for decades, according to a leading UK pension’s expert.
Radical Pension Changes To Affect Local Businesses
Private sector employers need to take action now to prepare for a significant overhaul of employee pension provision or face playing catch up on one of the biggest issues to impact the business community for decades, according to a leading UK pension’s expert.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
