Dundee LibDems support online petition against homophobic bullying

7.38.12pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 3rd Jun 2006

Stephen Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Higher and Further Education Spokesperson

Dundee LibDems have today (Saturday 3rd June) lent their support to a national LibDem online petition as part of the party's campaign to tackle homophobic bullying.

Liberal Democrats are concerned about all aspects of bullying but are focusing the spotlight on homophobic abuse because it's currently harder to monitor and stop.

Liberal Democrat Higher and Further Education Spokesperson, Stephen Williams MP who organised the Education and Skill Select Committee's first ever session on bullying, said, "Homophobic bullying is a painful issue that too many pupils, teachers and parents have to deal with every day. We want their voices to be heard in the wider debate on how to stamp out all types of bullying in schools.

"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.

"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. Schools should be safe places of learning for all children irrespective of their sexuality."

You can sign the petition at:

Related Link:

Help stop homophobic bullying.