Section 28 – Anatomy of a Moral Panic
Summary
Hosts Dorian Linsky and Ian Dunt examine the origins of Section 28, the 1988 UK legislation that prohibited local authorities from promoting homosexuality. They trace the moral panic fueled by right-wing media, the AIDS crisis, and a single children’s book, which led to the law’s passage. The episode highlights how this legislation legitimized homophobia and inadvertently catalyzed a unified LGBTQ+ activism movement in Britain.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and Intro
What is Section 28?
Decriminalization and Early Backlash
AIDS Panic and Moral Outrage
The Jenny Lives with Erica Martin Controversy
Drafting and Passing Clause 28
Protests and the Chilling Effect
Formation of Stonewall and OutRage!
The Campaign for Repeal
Legacy and Modern Parallels
Outro and Sponsors
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