Sit-in backs gay worker
Socialist Press1980 1980-06-11Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 5 →
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Youth and staff have occupied the Third Feather Youth Club in Earls Court in protest at the victimisation of their youth leader, Richie McMullan.
McMullan was sacked by Major Raymond Seymour and the management committee because he is gay.
He was dismissed at a moment's notice after 15 years' work in the youth club.
He turned at once for support to the Community and Youth Services Associationaffiliated to the NUT. The Association is now investigating the case while the occupiers demand McMullen's reinstatement.
The management committee's case has been refuted by the protestors.
Management claimed membership had fallen: it has almost doubled in the last year; they claimed he alienated the rest of the staff; in fact 8 out of 10 have supported him.
Another charge-that he put up a friend, a priest, for the night-is clearly ludicrous.
The campaigners have taken some steps already. They have pointed out that the ILEAwhich pays all the wages and 50% of the running costs of the club -has been forced to adopt a policy of no discrimination against gays.
Until now the ILEA have handed over money without control on how it is spent. The occupiers have now pressed for Labour ILEA members to press their case.
This firm stand in defence of Richie McMullen is an important initiative in defence of the rights of gay workers in education and social services.