The UK government has rejected a call for a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28, despite a petition calling for an investigation receiving more than 26,000 signatures.

The government’s response was issued on August 18, 67 days after the petition reached the 10,000-signature threshold. The Section 28 Justice Coalition said the government had previously committed to responding within 21 days.

In their official response, the UK government stated: “We do not believe that establishing a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28 is the right approach, but we do recognise the significant impact it has had on those who lived through it.”

The Section 28 Justice coalition, founded in February 2026 to campaign for greater recognition of Section 28 and its long-term impact on LGBTQ+ communities, criticised the government’s response, arguing that it failed to address the central aims of its petition.

Section 28 was introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government in 1988. The legislation prohibited local authorities from “promoting homosexuality” and had a significant impact on LGBTQ+ people.

The legislation was repealed in Scotland in 2000 and in England and Wales in 2003. However, campaigners say its effects continued long after repeal, with many LGBTQ+ people experiencing discrimination, isolation and a lack of support as a result of the culture created by the law.

 

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In its original petition, the Section 28 Justice Coalition described the environment created by the legislation as a “very hostile environment” particularly for LGBTQ+ young people and school staff. It argues that a public inquiry is needed to examine the law’s impact and establish whether the culture surrounding Section 28 continues to affect LGBTQ+ people today.

Since its launch, the coalition has also been collecting personal testimonies through its ‘Dear Section 28’ project. The initiative aims to document the experiences of people affected by the legislation and preserve their stories for future generations.

The group is also supporting the development of Don’t Say Gay, a feature-length documentary examining the history and legacy of Section 28.

Although the UK government has decided not to establish a public inquiry, the coalition has said it will continue lobbying politicians, gathering evidence and campaigning for a formal apology and greater recognition of the legislation’s lasting impact.

The petition remains open until September 24, 2026, with campaigners urging supporters to continue signing and sharing it as they seek greater accountability and recognition for those affected by Section 28. You can sign the petition here.