Gay Today: World

Scottish Government
& Clergy Collide Over Section 28

Compiled by GayToday

Glasgow, Scotland--Although the final vote on the repeal of anti-gay Section 28 won't take place until the Ethical Standards and Public Life Bill comes before the Scottish Parliament in June, Scottish Government chiefs are already on a collision course with religious leaders over plans to allow appropriate educational mentions of homosexuality in schools.

Negotiations have failed between progressive Ministers in the Scottish Executive and conservative Roman Catholic and Church of Scotland clergy. Many had hoped to bring an end to what is now being called "the Section 28 crisis."

The Executive Ministers, branded "stubborn" by their religious foes, were accused by the angry religious groups of turning a deaf ear to their faith-based pleas for continued anti-gay discrimination.

At the last meeting between the two sides, the government's representatives were Education Minister Sam Galbraith, junior Local Government Minister Frank McAveety and Communities Minister Wendy Alexander. They met with Scots churches' representatives, including Ann Allen, of the Church of Scotland and John Deighan, representing the Roman Catholic Church.

Deighan denounced the Government for refusing to even consider a pro-religious-bias compromise. "We are disappointed they have rejected that, especially now a Government working group has been set up to examine the issue. We certainly weren't satisfied by their reasons."

The opponents of repeal, using scare tactics, are pretending teachers will show homosexual pornography aimed at children aged 12 and over.

Ann Allen criticized the Government's reputed unwillingness to listen. She said: "I am not hopeful of movement from the Executive because the position they have taken leaves little room for maneuver."

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"Nothing surprises us about Wendy Alexander or Sam Galbraith. They seem hell bent on defying the clear will of the Scottish people," said a Keep the Clause campaigner.

But Wendy Alexander appeared to be more conciliatory.

"Scotland doesn't have a national curriculum and it doesn't need statutory guidelines," she said. " We are certain children's welfare will be protected."

She assured Catholic leaders that the Scottish government has no intention of interfering with religious sex education in Catholic schools.