Smash Clause 28! Fight the Alton Bill!

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Smash Clause 28

Smash Clause 28! Fight the Alton Bill! was a significant campaign in the United Kingdom during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The campaign aimed to oppose and repeal Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 and to fight against the Alton Bill, which sought to restrict abortion rights.

Background

Section 28 was a controversial piece of legislation enacted by the Conservative government under Margaret Thatcher. It prohibited local authorities from "promoting homosexuality" or teaching "the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship" in schools. This legislation was widely criticized for promoting discrimination against the LGBT community.

The Alton Bill, introduced by David Alton, a Liberal MP, aimed to reduce the upper time limit for abortions from 28 weeks to 18 weeks. This bill was seen as a significant threat to women's rights and reproductive rights in the UK.

Campaign Objectives

The primary objectives of the "Smash Clause 28! Fight the Alton Bill!" campaign were:

• To repeal Section 28 and end the discrimination against the LGBT community.
• To oppose the Alton Bill and protect abortion rights in the UK.
• To raise public awareness about the negative impacts of these legislations.
• To mobilize support from various activist groups, political parties, and the general public.

Key Events

The campaign saw numerous protests, rallies, and public demonstrations. Some of the notable events include:

• A large protest in London in 1988, where thousands of people marched against Section 28.
• The formation of various activist groups, such as Stonewall, which played a crucial role in advocating for LGBT rights.
• Public debates and media coverage that brought significant attention to the issues of LGBT discrimination and abortion rights.

Impact

The campaign was instrumental in raising awareness and generating public support against Section 28 and the Alton Bill. Although Section 28 was not repealed until 2003, the campaign laid the groundwork for future LGBT rights movements in the UK. The Alton Bill was ultimately defeated, ensuring the protection of abortion rights.

Legacy

The "Smash Clause 28! Fight the Alton Bill!" campaign is remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of LGBT rights and women's rights in the UK. It demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of standing up against discriminatory legislation.

See Also

• Section 28
• LGBT rights in the United Kingdom
• Abortion in the United Kingdom
• Stonewall (charity)
• Margaret Thatcher
• David Alton