Clause 28 puts young people at risk of homelessness, SCSH tells MSPs

The Scottish Council for Single Homeless has told MSPs that Clause 28 puts young gay men and women at risk of homelessness. In evidence to the Local Government, Equal Opportunities and Education Committees on the Ethical Standards in Public Life ( Scotland ) Bill SCSH wholeheartedly supported the Executives plans to repeal the Clause.

John Dickie, Head of SCSH’s Youth Housing Strategy Unit says:

‘Our members and research shows that young gay and lesbian men are disproportionately at risk of homelessness – one survey found 11% had been evicted by their parents when they told them about their sexuality. ( CHAR , 1996) Leaving home is a difficult transition for all of us – to get it right, and avoid homelessness, young people need support from friends and family as well as from housing providers, including the local authority. In some cases they need formal support services.

Section 28 delivers a double whammy undermining these essential supports. First it reinforces the prejudice and fear that leads friends and family to reject and isolate young gay people and secondly it leaves local authority funded services unclear as to the support they can provide."

Researchers in Glasgow (Glasgow Women’s Library, 1999) found Section 28 has had a "devastating effect" on gay men and lesbians. They highlight the case of one previously homeless young woman who was told whilst in residential care that she couldn’t get any advice on her sexuality because of Clause 28. The Research also found that 34% of the gay men and women interviewed had experienced homelessness.

Scottish Federation of Housing Associations research (1997) backs up these findings. Whilst 42% of young gay men and lesbians had left home as a result of reaction to their sexuality, 43% had had to leave private rented housing once their sexual orientation became known, primarily as a result of landlord harassment. More worryingly it was found that most lesbians and gay men felt they would not get a sympathetic hearing or support from housing providers.

John Dickie added "If we are serious about tackling the causes of youth homelessness it is essential that all young people, including young lesbians and gay men, are given the supports they need to establish and sustain homes for themselves. To ensure this happens Clause 28 must go."