End State Repression of Gays

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READERS We welcome readers' letters on any subject, up to 400 words in length. Write to us at Socialist Press, BM Box 5277, On Saturday 28 Februry a demonstration is to be eld in Manchester against le state repression of esbian and gay people.

Attacks on gay people from arious quarters have increased scently, but the state plays a entral part in this repression.

The campaign organisers are scussing on the way lesbians nd gay people are discriminted against and harassed by the late in all areas of their lives:om education and employlent, to the bedroom, to hositals and prisons.

The police continually harass ay people on the streets and at London WCIN 3XX. meeting places such pubs and clubs.

They use the law to preven gay people having sex ir public'-which can mean any thing (e.g. holding hands anc hugging) that heterosexuals car do without raising an eyebrow When gay people ar violently attacked, the polier either turn a blind eye, or elsi arrest the victims "while the attackers get off scot-free.

Gay people are systematical ly discriminated against il employment. This discrimina tion is open and deliberate and backed up by industria tribunals.

Clwyd County Council MOLEN for example, have a formal policy of not employing openly gay people in jobs involving contact with young people, the elderly and the handicapped.

The 'age of consent' for homosexuals is still 21, so that the state and its agents continually interfere with the sexuality of young people.

Young gay people suffer at school, and in their homes from being forced to keep their sexuality secret.

A gay man convicted for having a relationship with a young person can be sent to . prison or mental hospital, where repression is intensifed and reinforced by violent from other prisoners.

in the six counties of Ireland, homosexuality remains illegal, despite a ruling that the law violates the European Convention on Human Rights.

In Britain, sex between men over 21 is supposed to be legal and sex between women has never been illegal. However, as the demonstration organisers point out, the formal. legal position is not the main problem:

"The legality of sexual acts as such is not at the centre of the relationship between gay and lesbian people and the state. The attack on us is an do: our most basic rights have little guarantee. They must be fought for, and we see this demonstration as a demonstration of our willingness to fight, and an opportunity for others to show their support, essential to a successful struggle."

The Campaign Against State Repression has appealed. for support for this demonstration from the women's, labour and trade union movements.

Socialist Press gives it full support and appeals to readers to fight for support in their Labour Party and trade union branches.

Further details from CASR, c/o BM Gay Noise, London WCIN 3XX or telephone 01582 2461.

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BLACK PEOPLE ARE HERE TO STAY NF THUGGERY WILL NOT RE TOLERATED WRITE