Gay taunts must be barred in playground, minister urges

THE word ‘gay’ must be stamped out as a playground taunt, an education minister has demanded.

Nick Gibb said he expected teachers to discipline pupils who use the word in a bullying manner. He wrote in the Mail on Sunday: ‘Bullying at school is cruel, particularly as LGBT pupils are coming to terms with their sexuality or gender.

‘I am determined that we stamp out the use of the word gay as a pejorative term.’

The Conservative MP issued his demand as he opened up about his personal battle to publicly admit his sexuality.

Mr Gibb married his long-term partner Michael two years ago after keeping his relationship a secret for 29 years. He said widespread intolerance and discrimination meant it had been easier not to tell people they were a couple, meaning they could not do things such as spend Christmas together.

‘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, bisexual and trans people can live free, happy and fulfilling lives.’

Around £3million of public money is being spent on anti-homophobic and transphobic programmes.