A petition urging for a public inquiry into Section 28 and the impact it has had on generations of LGBTQ+ people has reached a key milestone.

Created by the volunteer-run group Section 28 Justice Coalition, the petition wants to find out how the legislation - which was introduced in 1998 and repealed in 2003 - has impacted on culture.

Part of the Local Government Act 1988, the clause stated that local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales should ‘not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality’ or ‘promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship’.

It meant that those in education at the time were not taught vital lessons about same-sex relationships - or that they even really existed. Teachers and staff were also unable to be open about who they were, or help signpost any students to any potentially relevant information.

Organisers said it resulted in creating a ‘very hostile environment’, adding: "Students were unable to get support at school and staff were forced to hide their identity, fearing they would be sacked. This hostile culture continued after repeal and impacted LGBTQ people throughout their life."

The petition has now surpassed 10,000 signatures meaning that the government will now need to issue a response and acknowledge its existence. If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures before it closes on September 24, it will also be considered for debate in Parliament.

In addition to its 16,000 and growing signatures, the campaign has also been backed by big names like Russell Tovey and Boy George.

Section 28 Justice Coalition co-chairs Stevie Jones and Sarah Drummond told Scene Mag recently: “Section 28 didn’t just silence LGBTQ+ people through law - it operated alongside and reinforced wider cultural pressures that made LGBTQ+ lives invisible. That combination of legislative and cultural silencing is re-emerging today.”

I was in high school at the time of Section 28 and when it was repealed and I remember trying to navigate my sexuality and identity in an environment where it simply did not exist or be spoken about, beyond only the negative in the canteen and at breaktimes.

It’s a sad part of the UK’s LGBTQ+ history that should not be ignored - particularly as I’m sure it has had massive long-lasting effects on so many people and how they feel comfortable in being able to express themselves.

For that reason, I feel fully on-board with this petition and hope that a real look into how Section 28 hurt members of the community can serve as not only some recognition for what happened but also a form of apology too.