Youth think more about sex TEENaGErY comt out

Scan page 6

socialism, a Labour govern- the issue is an important one programme won't necessar- for the LPYS to take up and Only by joining with all cussion on gay rights at this oppressed groups and fight- year's Summer Camp". Get sent for gay men to be the Labour Paryt discussion same as for non-gays, can we document "The Rights of of these groups will be a part plus postage) from the Publiing. Also by joining in these cations Department at WalDIFFERENT AT HILARYS PALI MY PAD FOR SOME AFTER DINNER GOING TO endently of men is completely unthinkable).

It's absurd that the Labour Party still refuses to accept that gays should be treated the same as nongays. It's yet another example of the generally appalling record of the Labour Party on gay rights. Neil Kinnock MP, when he was speaking at a Labour Party demonstration against unemployment last year made a "joking" reference to "perverts" (meaning gays). Few people at the demo Instead the National Committee accepted without discussion a motion stating that we oppose discrimination against gay people. That's fine, but it's hardly a full socialist position on gay rights - most of the Young Liberals and probably some of the Young Conservatives wouldn't disagree with it.

The resolution also didn't suggest any action that the LPYS can take to help its gay members fight the oppression felt by being gay in a straight society, nor does it offer a basis for recruiting young lesbians and gay men to the LPYS.

It's vital for a socialist youth movement to have a clear position on sexuality. Sexuality is an enormous concern for young people. Most young people spend much more of their time concerned with sex than they ever do worrying about what the next Labour government should do. It's only by understanding and giving a political way forward for all the concerns of youth that we can ever hope to build a mass LPYS.

This should include a political explanation of why there is such widespread discrimination against lesbians and gay men.

The main argument against the LPYS discússing gay rights is that sexuality is a personal matter and there is no need for the LPYS to discuss it beyond accepting liberal anti-discrmination resolutions. But anti-gay discrimination is not a personal matter, just as racism is not simply a matter of a few whites who happen to dislike blacks.

Anti-gay discrimination comes from people who are unable to see beyond the limits set by our capitalist society and believe that the issue for a sociaiist youth movement. Most LPYS members first get involved when they are still living with their mum and/or dad. For a young gay person, the most difficult thing, after accepting their gayness themselves, is to tell their parents they are gay. It's very important for the LPYS to offer a place where young gays don't feel alienated by their sexuality , and where their gayness is accepted. • This means not only gesting the LPYS to adopt a better position on gay rights but also taking up the anti-gay discrimination that takes place within the LPYS. At some national LPYS events, gay LPYS members have faced shouts of "gays out" from other members, which shows how far we still have to go.

Supporters of Militant, who are the majority in the LPYS, often argue that we need the "socialist transformation of society" before worner, blacks or gays will be liberated.

They use this to justify doing little or nothing about sexism, racism and anti-gay ment carrying out Militant's ily guarantee liberation.

ing with them in the struggles they are involved in now, however partial, e.g. the fight for the age of con- sible.

make sure that the liberation of the socialism we are build.

struggles we can show that COME ROUND TO OH / WOULD LOVE LPYS events. We feel that so we call on the National Committee to organise a disit sent off to the National Committee as soon as pos*Get a copy of the Gay Women and Men". (40p worth Road.

MER TONGAT SLIP AN ARMCHAIR:

Scan page 7

Agree? Disagree? Just want to write a letter? Write to -7?29 Class Fighter, at 214 Sickert Court, Essex Road, LonThis month's 'OPINION' comes don N1

----- pull-quotes -----

THE NEXT DAY AT THE OFFICE. THINGS WERE