Labour is now committed to its section 28 on steroids
Let’s remember: section 28 was a horrendous law that intimidated teachers and others, suppressed the dissemination of information about homosexuality.
It was homophobic and it was awful.
But it did not create a criminal offence.
It did not prescribe penalties.
The Labour Party’s draft bill to ban “conversion practices” is also homophobic. It also sets out to suppress the dissemination of information.
But it is far, far worse than section 28
It will criminalize a parent who says: “No, you’re a boy. Maybe you’re gay. That’s fine: Let’s get you some therapy to explore the causes of your distress.”
It will criminalize a parent who says “No, I refuse to pay for binders, blockers, testosterone. You’re a girl. It’s fine to be a lesbian.”
Such conversations may cause extreme distress. The minor may call them abusive.
We’re talking about a criminal offence of refusing to allow your child to take harmful drugs. Of suggesting she might be a lesbian - not a boy. Of refusing to go along with her insistent demands.
***With a potential 5-year prison sentence.•***
Let’s stop Labour’s Section 28!
We will not accept this latest iteration of anti gay and anti lesbian legislation - however well it is dressed up to look “progressive.”