Gay march

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The trial and successful prosecution of 'Gay News' and its editor for the mediaeval offence of "blasphemous libel" will be resisted by a demonstration called this weekend by the Gay News Defence Committee.

Forces from the labour and trade union movement, students unions, women's and gay groups will show their hostility to repressive legislation which attacks the rights of gay men and women in a whole number of ways.

The blasphemy law is only one lightweight weapon from the vast arsenal at the disposal of the state, which starts from a determination to uphold the structure and stability of the bourgeois family unit.

Inadequate

This is what dictates the bourgeoisie's determination to suppress homosexuality.

The campaign's call simply for a repeal of the blasphemy law is thus inadequate to offer a real perspective to gays.

But the campaign provides an opportunity to forge real links between the gay movement and the labour movement, by showing the necessity for a common struggle against repressive legislation.

The specific oppression of homosexuals is made far more severe by the same crisis of capitalism which threatens all workers with wage cuts, unemployment and political expression.

Wherever the defence campaign can be extended into trade union branches and constituency Labour Parties, it must be taken up as the real basis for a campaign to repeal all legislation which restricts the democratic rights of gay women and men.

The Gay News Defence Committee national demonstration meets at the Temple in London at 1.30 on Saturday 11 February.

THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF SOCIALIST PRESS Public Meeting Thursday 16 February 7.30 p.m.

King William Hotel

Market Place HULL LONDON Friday 10 Februar 7.30 pm New Theatre, LSE Houghton Street London WC2 Plus FILM