Minister’s bid to curb gay bullying at school

HOMOPHOBIC playground bullying must be stamped out, Education Minister Nick Gibb has insisted as he opened up about his personal battle to publicly admit his sexuality.

The Tory MP, who kept his relationship a secret for 29 years, wants to wipe out the use of the word “gay” as a term of abuse in schools.

Mr Gibb, who married his partner Michael two years ago, said widespread intolerance meant it had been easier previously not to tell people they were together.

But the past secrecy has now made him determined to make a difference for LGBT people. “Having felt the need to be silent for decades about my sexuality, I am determined to make a positive difference,” he said. “I will be tireless in ensuring that all gay, lesbian, bi and trans people can live free, happy and fulfilling lives.”

Around £3million is being spent on anti-homophobic and transphobic programmes. A national survey is being launched that will ask 1.5 million LGBT people to give their views on public services to help inform Government policy.

Mr Gibb said he expected teachers to discipline pupils who use the word “gay” in a bullying manner.

He added: “Bullying at school is cruel, particularly as LGBT pupils are coming to terms with their sexuality or gender. I am determined to stamp out the use of the word gay as a pejorative term.”