Poll: Majority of teachers think they are banned from talking about LGBT issues
The majority of primary school teachers in London think they are banned from talking about LGBT issues in the classroom, new research has found.
A YouGov survey for gay rights charity Stonewall shows just 11% of primary teachers in London were aware they could talk about issues related to gay people, compared with 35% in Scotland or 29% in the rest of Southern England.
Only one in 10 London primary teachers said they knew they could discuss subjects such as same-sex parents with students.
More than 10 years after the repeal of Section 28, which banned the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in schools, many teachers lack confidence on LGBT issues.
Luke Tryl, Head of Education at Stonewall, said: “The findings are clearly a stark wake-up call to those who thought that London’s schools were leading the way in promoting tolerance and preparing young people for life in 21st century Britain.
“We know there are more teachers in London at the start of their teaching career, who often lack the training to feel confident talking about sexual orientation and [have] concern about parental objections.
“This is despite the fact 93% of parents told YouGov they support work to tackle homophobic bullying.”
Stonewall will release its full report at its Education for All Conference in central London on Friday.
