Lesbian and Gay activists have condemned the
BNP website which features a campaign against the forthcoming LGBT history
month
in schools this February. The campaign
which has been initiated in Somerset, calls on parents to protest against "unwholesome
'alternative life-style' propaganda" and "unhealthy and unwanted social-engineering
indoctrination exercises", labelling the initiative an "atrocity"
Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive of Stonewall said
"Homopohobia is still widespread in too much of Britain and too many young lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender people have attempted suicide by the time they
are teenagers. Education is the only way to challenge this. Acceptance starts
in schools and is essential if we are to prevent atrocities like the murder of
Jody Dobrowski. The BNP's homophobia must be challenged nationally and locally."
Paul Patrick, Co-Chair LGBT History Month Steering Group said:
"LGBT History Month was initiated to move LGBT people from survival to celebration
and to give everyone else a chance to explore and understand our lives and achievements.
It also encourages us to look at and learn from history. One of the lessons we
have learnt is that fascism and the hate-filled policies of the British National
Party are a disaster for us and every other human being. Their ideology cares
naught for the needs of children, young people and other vulnerable groups. History
has also taught us of the need to oppose them at every turn. LGBT History Month
is proud to play its part in that campaign and to work for knowledge and understanding
against ignorance and bigotry."
Denis Fernando of Lesbian and Gay Coalition Against Racism
said:
"We welcome the LGBT history month initiative and condemn this campaign as homophobic.
In the week when the atrocities of the Holocaust are being remembered, this latest
attempt by the BNP to promote hatred is an important reminder of where homophobia
and fascism have led: LGBT history includes the persecution and extermination
of LGBT people under the Nazis. The BNP sympathises with the Nazis. It is therefore
crucial that young people are educated about where homophobia, hatred and bigotry
lead, so that history does not repeat itself. "
Sabby Dhalu, Joint Secretary, Unite Against Fascism said:
" The BNP is a homophobic, fascist organisation. UAF aims to bring together
all those threatened by the BNP and the far right, including the lesbian and
gay communities and it is crucial that homophobia is challenged."
For more information contact LAGCAR on 020 7247 9907 lagcar@naar.org.uk