Union attacks failure to repeal section 28

Public services union UNISON is calling on the government to explain why it has left repeal of Section 28 - the Conservative government legislation banning the "promotion" of homosexuality - out of plans for the coming parliamentary year.

"The failure to include the repeal of Section 28 leaves a gaping hole at the heart of the Queen's speech," says Carola Towle, the union's national lesbian and gay officer.

MPs campaigning for abolition are expected to table amendments to the new local government Bill to try to get section 28 repealed. However, these could get dropped in the face of opposition in order to ensure that the Bill gets through parliament.