The Middle Temple LGBTQ+ Forum: Pride 2022: an evening with Professor Paul Baker

On May 23 1988 Paul Baker was watching television on his 16th birthday when a group of women invaded BBC News studios to protest against a notorious new law called Section 28. This talk tells the story of Section 28, which forbade local authorities from promoting the teaching “of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”. It considers the factors leading up to its introduction, the ways that newspapers and politicians fanned the flames of homophobia, the wide range of protests agasint it, the effects of the law, the fight to repeal it and its eventual legacy. Drawing on interviews from Sir Ian McKellen, Lord Smith, Lord Cashman, Angela Mason the talk celebrates the bravery and determination of those who protested and warns that the LGBTQ+ community should never take its rights for granted.

Join us in celebrating Pride this year with The Middle Temple LGBTQ+ Forum where we will be joined by Paul Baker,  Professor of Linguistics and English Language at Lancaster University and author of 'Outrageous! The Story of Section 28 and Britain's Battle for LGBT Education'. 

Folllowed by a drinks reception, this event is the perfect oppurtunity to meet the Forum, network, and to fly the rainbow flag with some fizz.

Members and staff of all the Inns of Court, BLAGG and FreeBar are invited and positively encouraged to attend, whether you are LGBTQ+ or an ally.

This LGBTQ+ Forum event is open to Middle Temple Members and their guests as well as members of other Inns of Court, though guests are restricted to members only. Attendance is free but booking is required.

This LGBTQ+ Forum event is open to Middle Temple Members and their guests as well as members of other Inns of Court, though guests are restricted to members only.

If you (or your guests) have any dietary requirements please ensure that you provide this information when you book tickets.  If you did not do so, please inform the Inn no later than 12:00 two working days before the event. 

If you (or your guests) are unsure about anything on the evening please speak to the events staff on duty.

Non-alcoholic alternatives will be provided on request.

Further details on dietary requirements

Click here to see details of the QS Requirements and how to be credited with the QS for this session

Learning Outcomes:

After this session, students should be able to:

• Describe section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 and explain how it came to be and then repealed, how it operated in practice and its impact.
• Recognise how statute and its interpretation can directly impact LGBTQ+ rights.

Links to the Professional Statement, wider workings of the Bar, administration of justice or a public interest matter

The QS will align with these elements of the Professional Statement:

• 2.3

Click here to view the BSB's Professional Statement

QS Feedback

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