Annette Brooke supports Lib Dem petition against homophobic bullying

3.38.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th Jun 2006

The Liberal Democrats have launched an online petition as part of their campaign to tackle homophobic bullying in schools. Commenting, Annette Brooke MP said:

"We have launched a petition calling for all schools in Mid Dorset and North Poole to develop measures to tackle homophobic bullying. Taunts and name-calling should be challenged immediately so that it's clear such behaviour won't be tolerated.

"I have a real concern about all aspects of bullying. I am turning the spotlight on this particular problem because homophobic bullying is harder to monitor and tackle at the moment. It is not about being "politically correct" but ensuring that all pupils know bullying will not be tolerated - and there are no exceptions.

"Homophobic bullying affects not only pupils who grow up to be gay, but those with gay family members and pupils labeled "gay" by their peers.

"If a pupil is bullied because of race, looks or a disability they are likely to at least have supportive parents. This is often not the case for young gay people and it is difficult for them to know which teacher they can confide in.

"Homophobic bullying is a painful issue that too many pupils, teachers and parents here in Mid Dorset and North Poole have to deal with every day. I want their voices to be heard in the wider debate on how to stamp out all types of bullying in our schools.

"Putting a duty on schools will ensure there is someone for the young person to turn to and will send out a message that homophobic abuse should be treated with the same zero tolerance as racist abuse. Our schools should be safe places of learning for all children irrespective of their sexuality."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Sign the Liberal Democrats' petition online at:

http://www.libdems.org.uk/campaigns/stop-homophobic-bullying.html

The text of the petition reads:

We, the undersigned, call for the following to support and protect the victims of homophobic bullying:

1. Homophobic taunts and name calling in schools should be challenged immediately by staff.

2. All schools' anti-bullying policies should be required to include measures specifically to deal with homophobic bullying.

3. At least one teacher in every school should undergo training which includes how to tackle homophobic bullying

On Wednesday 9th May Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Higher and Further Education, Stephen Williams MP organised the first ever session of the Education Select Committee to discuss bullying, including hearing evidence specifically on the issue of homophobic bullying.

Also on Wednesday 9th May Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Sarah Teather MP introduced an amendment to the Education and Inspections Bill to impose a statutory duty on schools to implement policies to tackle homophobic bullying but was not debated or voted upon at the report stage and third reading because of lack of time. The Liberal Democrats intend to raise the issue again when the Bill is debated in the Lords on 21st June.