Think about what it would be useful for participants to be able to see written down and to keep. Complex information which is hard to take in; useful tags to remember key points; follow-up work - all these are useful for people to take away as handouts. In our example session the crucial handout is the briefing on Clause 28. It functions as a summary of a complicated position, an aide-memoire and an 'official' document which gives a feeling of safety and legitimacy.
Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988
The Clause
The Clause applies to local authority funded activities. It states that a local authority shall not "intentionally promote homosexuality."
The clause was debated at length at the Committee stage in the House of Lords. Hansard records the Minister for State at the Home Office said:
"Local authorities have a duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. Provided this and only this is what they intend to do, there can be no question of the Clause inhibiting them from stocking any book they think necessary for that purpose."
Hansard (Lords) 1. 2.88
"We recognise that local authorities are under a duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service and that they may wish to stock a range of materials about homosexuality, dealing with homosexual themes or written by homosexual authors. Clause 28 does not stop them doing so unless they are setting out intentionallly to promote homosexuality."
Hansard (Lords) 1.2.88
More information in The Library Association Briefing on Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1996.
Effects
There have been no prosecutions under Clause 28, the main effect is likely to have been self-censorship. Many people believe the present government will repeal the clause but it has shown no sign of doing so yet.
Easy answers
We do displays of vegetarian books but does that mean we are advocating vegetarianism?
We do displays of books in Spanish and French, does that mean we are advocating that no-one should speak English?
Loud and Proud is a promotion like any other, we're just pulling out different sections of our stock to highlight.
Note: Clause 28 has now been repealed in Scotland but still stands for the rest of the UK.
