| Discrete Collections | Hall-Carpenter Archives |
| Title | Stop the Clause Campaign |
| Ref No | HCA/STC |
| Level | Collection |
| Date | 1987 - 1989 |
| Extent | 6 boxes and 2 posters |
| Admin Biographical History | The 'Stop the Clause' (STC) campaign occurred in 1988 in response to Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, which stated that local authorities 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". Section 28 became law in Britain on 24 May 1988 (it did not apply to Northern Ireland). It was repealed in Scotland in 2000 and in the rest of Britain in 2003.
The campaign against Section28 garnered support at both national and international levels. Its main group consisted of a coordinating committee and subgroups, which included: Finance; Press and Publicity Group; Trade Union and Labour Group; and, Demonstrations Group.
The STC lobbied widely, including parliament, trade unions and local authorities. For example, STC called on all local authorities to:
a. Implement equal opportunities where they do not already have one;
b. To include lesbians and gay men in their equal opportunities policies where not already included;
c. In the light of Section 28 to maintain support for lesbian and gay equality policies, including access to lesbian and gay publications, funding of lesbian and gay groups/projects, positive images of lesbian and gay men and provision of positive information about lesbian, gay men and their families;
d. We further call for these policies to be strengthened, developed and defended, including in the courts, regardless of government and judicial intimidation.
STC organised a demonstration, encouraging supporters to join a march in London on 30th April 1988. It was also involved in organising a 'Euro Tour', a coach tour that visited cities across Europe, and included a Euro Conference in London. |
| Custodial History | Originally deposited at Brighton Our Story and then transferred to LSE Library, September 2013. |
| Description | The collection comprises:
*Meetings and Groups (in HCA/STC/1)
This includes incomplete minutes of STC co-ordination committee meetings and STC sub-groups, and information produced by STC about Clause 28.
*Mailings and Information (in HCA/STC/1)
This includes mailings sent to members by the STC coordinating committee and examples of the consequences of Clause 28. Also includes some folders relating to the international campaign.
*Lobbying (in HCA/STC/2)
The work of STC, and affiliated groups, lobbying both the British and European Parliaments.
*Press and Publicity (in HCA/STC/2 and HCA/STC/3)
Press releases, produced by both STC and related campaigning groups, and copies of print press coverage.
Ephemera relating to the STC campaign, including posters, leaflets, T-shirt design, badges and cassette tapes.
*Photographs and slides (in HCA/STC/3)
Black and white photographs of the STC march on London and a box of slides.
* Correspondence (in HCA/STC/4)
Letters sent to and by the STC. They range from personal expressions of support and requests for information, to organisational and political correspondence.
*STC Office Administration (in HCA/STC/5)
Office administrative documents, including contacts and mailing lists, office guide, STC forms, and financial record books.
*Other Organisations (in HCA/STC/6)
Documents, mailings, ephemera, advice and briefings from other organisations about Clause 28.
*Posters (in HCA/STC/7 and HCA/STC/8)
Poster relating to the National Day of Action, 8 April 1988 and the Stop the Clause March on London, 30 April 1988.
Poster relating to the Euro Tour, October - December 1988. |
| Access Status | Open |
| Copyright Type | Copyright holder unknown |