Theatre founder starts e-petition

PINK Triangle Theatre has launched an e-petition to make it policy for schools to educate pupils about homophobia and bullying.

Paul Burgess, who founded the Oldham group, wants the Department of Education to take responsibility for ensuring that schools and colleges show they are tackling bullying issues and in particular the use of homophobic language.

He said: “Educational establishments are without a doubt the places that these problems begin and perpetuate.

“Regardless of establishment autonomy, it is our responsibility to make sure that the young people of this country learn about these issues in a productive and effective way.”

Paul is a member of the Oldham Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Forum and plays a big part in Oldham’s Pride parade.

His theatre group played to a packed audience for its four-man production Show One, a 30-minute play about the different perceptions and attitudes towards homosexuality.

If his petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will become eligible for debate in the House of Commons.

To sign the petition visit: www.epetitions.direct.gov.uk and search ‘homophobia’.