Picture: Section 28 Demonstration on 20th of February 1988, Manchester. 
Copyright: Alamy/Mirrorpix

Manchester is a city well-known for being at the forefront of the struggle for equality in the United Kingdom. Examples in history that may come to mind include the brave people who campaigned for political representation in 1819, resulting in the Peterloo Massacre and the female suffrage movement, notably the suffragettes led by Manchester’s Pankhurst family.

For LGBT+ History Month, we should pause to consider another example of Manchester-based activism. The Section 28 Demonstration that took place on 20 February 1988.

Section 28 was part of the Local Government Act (1988) which became law during Margaret Thatcher’s tenure as Prime Minister. It instructed that local authorities should not ‘promote’ homosexuality or publish any material with the intention of doing so. Homosexuality could also not be taught to children as a ‘pretended family relationship.’ [1] In other words, local councils, libraries and schools could no longer acknowledge homosexuality nor provide support or educational resources on related matters like same-sex parenting or homophobia in schools.

The response from LGBT+ people and their allies was immediate and strong. On that day, thirty-eight years ago, more than 20,000 people marched through the streets of Manchester to express their anger at the legislation.[2] This culminated in a demonstration held in Albert Square with speeches and entertainment provided by local artists, politicians and celebrities such as Ian McKellen and Sue Johnston.

A heartwarming moment came from Manchester City Council, who, despite the upcoming ban, hung a banner from the townhall displaying a message of support for the demonstrators. Graham Stringer, Council Leader, also gave a speech of solidarity at the demonstration.[3]

Despite the backlash from activists and local government, Section 28 would remain law until it was repealed in 2003; over the course of the intervening fifteen years, it would inflict harm on a generation of LGBT+ people.

For LGBT+ History Month, it is important to learn about and remember the 1988 demonstration. It serves as an uncomfortable reminder that state-sanctioned homophobia is within living memory in the United Kingdom. We may also reflect on the bravery of those who attended that day and how they contributed to the progress that has been made since the dawn of the 21^st Century.

We live in politically uncertain times where anti-LGBT+ movements and voices are gaining traction globally. 20 February 1988 should act as a reminder of the activism and resilience of LGBT+ people and their allies. Also, the pioneering spirit of the City of Manchester to stand up against inequality. The LGBT+ community and the City of Manchester have proven in the past that they are willing to take a stand for equality. And if it could be done in the past, then it can be done again.

Upcoming Events

• Film night featuring a documentary on the 1988 demonstration
• ‘Re/Assemble’ exhibition at Manchester People’s History Museum

By David Cross, Administrator in Directorate of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

References:

[1] ‘The 20th anniversary of the repeal of section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988’, House of Commons Library, published 28 November 2023

[2] ‘Section 28 Demonstration’, BritishCultureArchive, published 23 May 2022

[3] ‘Thirty years ago Manchester held a huge march to protest against section 28 – it would change history’, Manchester Evening News, published 18 February 2018

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