From Death Threats to Acceptance: The Battle to Overturn Section 28 in Scotland's First Culture War

In 1999, the political landscape in Scotland experienced turbulence as Wendy Alexander, a prominent member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), became an outspoken advocate in the struggle to repeal Section 28. This controversial law, enacted in 1988 by Margaret Thatcher’s government, prohibited the promotion of homosexuality in schools and by local councils. Alexander described the period as the Scottish Parliament’s first culture war, highlighting the death threats she encountered as a result of her stance, a rare occurrence at that time but indicative of the rising tensions.

Section 28, or Section 2A in Scotland, stemmed from a reaction to specific children’s literature and was emblematic of broader societal fears regarding homosexuality. Alexander characterized the legislation as pernicious, asserting that it encouraged a culture of fear among educators, preventing them from discussing important aspects of relationships and sexuality in an educational setting.

With the Labour government’s pledge in 1997 to abolish the law, Scotland’s new parliament faced the challenge of making this a reality. In 2000, Alexander, as communities minister, initiated the repeal process. The consultation process revealed significant public support for repeal. Yet, opposition loomed large; a powerful campaign led by Brian Souter, founder of the Stagecoach Group, sought to maintain Section 28. His ”Keep the Clause” campaign garnered over 1.2 million responses, emphasizing traditional beliefs about parenting and marriage.

Despite a vocal minority against it, the political climate shifted, and on June 21, 2000, Section 28 was repealed, with 99 MSPs in favor and only 17 against. The repeal set the stage for increased tolerance in Scottish society, eventually leading to civil partnerships and equal marriage, marks of a more progressive era. Alexander reflected on the backlash she faced, including accusations of threatening the unity of Christianity in Scotland, and emphasized the importance of approaching such sensitive discussions with humility.

In hindsight, Alexander interprets the opposition to Section 28 as a precursor to contemporary cultural battles over trans rights, cautioning against stigmatising minority groups in public discourse. She observed that today’s activism occurs primarily through social media, contrasting with the tabloid-led campaigns of the past. Ultimately, the discourse surrounding Section 28 serves as a reminder of the continual struggle against intolerance and the significance of representation and respect for all communities.