School leadership needed to tackle homophobic bullying - Williams

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th May 2006

Commenting on the The National Aids Trust report that notes that homophobic bullying in schools was common and often unchallenged by staff, Liberal Democrat Higher and Further Education Spokesperson, Stephen Williams MP said "To tackle homophobia in schools requires effective leadership and getting the entire school community to accept that all pupils should be treated with respect.

"The Government must do more to bring full equality to LGBT people in the UK, placing a priority on making schools safe and secure places for gay students and staff."

"Publicly agreed school policies provide a vital point of reference for gay and lesbian pupils and staff who experience bullying at school. We need to urgently work towards a situation where homophobia and homophobic bullying of all kinds are regarded as unacceptable as racism."