Equality: Fair Work

Taking Fair Work Forward

1. Introduction: The background to rolling out LGBT inclusive education in Scotland

Please tell us about Scotland’s commitment to LGBT inclusive education and what this means for schools in practice.

Reflective question:

Think back to when you yourself were at school, in relation to LGBT inclusive education. Are there any differences, or similarities you can detect, now?

Learning points:

  • LGBT Inclusive Education is an educational approach of including learning content related to the lives, history and experiences of LGBT people across curriculum areas from the Broad General Education to the Senior Phase. This approach ensures that learners see themselves, the diversity of their families, and the world around them in what they learn; and contributes to addressing the stigma and stereotypes that can lead to prejudice and bullying.
  • LGBT Inclusive Education is currently being implemented in Scotland and it is now the responsibility of all schools to consider how they can take this forward in their own settings. This should be embedded within the school curriculum and a part of year-round ordinary learning.
  • lgbteducation.scot is the national platform for this work, and includes free professional learning, teaching materials, guidance, and an implementation toolkit for teachers in Scotland. Resources are available here for primary and secondary schools.

Scotland’s commitment to LGBT inclusive education came 19 years after the repeal of Section 28, which effectively prohibited the teaching of LGBT inclusive education.

Section 28 or Section 2A, was a piece of legislation introduced by Thatcher’s Conservative government, which effectively prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities. It was in effect from 1988 to 2000 in Scotland. One of the first legislations enacted by the new Scottish Parliament was to repeal this section, after a successful campaign led by the Equality Network.

There was an earlier attempt to repeal the legislation introduced by Labour Government in Westminster, but this was defeated. Theresa May, then Shadow Education Secretary called it a “victory for the common sense”. It would take until 2003 for the clause to be repealed in England and Wales. 

In relation to schools, the section prohibited schools to ”promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”. There was widespread confusion with regards to what constituted such “promotion” and fear, therefore, with regards to engaging in any form of discussion related to LGBT families or lives.

Although it is over 20 years since Section 28 was repealed, there will still be many education professionals who may feel worried about teaching LGBT inclusive education, and unsure about whether they are permitted to do so. It is important therefore that educators are supported in becoming confident in this area.