NUT snub to gay members

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THE NUT Executive went ahead with the choice of Jersey as the venue for the 1983 Conference in the full knowledge that properly elected delegates who were gay men risked trial and imprisonment because of the Executive's choice of venue.

This is evident in a letter, dated as far back as September 1981, from a Jersey solicitor to the NUT, that came into the hands of the Gay Teachers' Group. It concluded: 'I-feel a fair summary would be to say that any overt act of homosexuality would be pursued and charges brought..:

The NUT is not alone in choosing a venue that criminalises its gay male delegates. NALGO and TGWU are holding their conferences in the Isle of Man this year. This is particularly interesting as regards NALGO, who have adopted a policy of no discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

A Gay Working Party has been set up by NUT members involved in the Gay Teachers' Group and the Socialist Teachers Alliance. The aim is to build a campaign around the issue, culminating in a fringe conference on Gay Rights (at women have remained rock solid, demanding full reinstatement for all the old staff.

They are particularly angry that Bromwich have taken on more new staff than the number they sacked, and that some of the new staff have been recruited into the T&G (also those who broke ranks and crossed the picket line are still in the G&M).

The women have made a point of explaining their case to the workforce as a whole, and as a result the Drews Lane workers have mounted a total boycott of the canteens.

However, the response at the adjacent Common Lane -ing February 7. For details contact 713606.

Nottingham. Meets every Friday, 7.30pm at the International Community Centre, 61B Mansfield Rd. SO is sold outside the Victoria Centre (Saturday 11 to 1) and at the Mushroom Bookshop, Heathcote St.

Oxford. Next meeting Thursday February 3, on the water workers' strike, with local striker speaking. 8pm, 44b Princes St, main hall. SO is sold at the Cornmarket • (Saturday 1lam to 1pm) and outside Tesco, Cowley Rd (Friday, 5pm-7pm): Álso at EÓA Books, Cowley Rd.

Basingstoke. Next meeting: Tuesday February 17, 7.30 at Chute House.

• LONDON North-West London: Meets fortnightly: contact Mick, which an NUT Execative member will be speaking". and the launching booklet on gay riebes education and the role of the.NUT.

Support This campaign your support -and otherwise.

•Send money to: Geoff Hardy (Coordinator, GWE), 6 Mays Court, Grooms Hill, London SE10 (Cheques payable to Gay Teachers Group or GTG).

•Fight for and support gay rights in your union/ CLP.

tirm plant has not been so good. The workers there are still using Bromwich canteen facilities, and the T&G convenor even came out on the gates and abused pickets, saying that the dispute was nothing to do with him or his members.

The strike is clearly having an effect. Bromwich are reported to be considering giving up the contract. But to really hit Bromwich, efforts must be made to spread the boycott to Common Lane, and to build upon the goodwill of the Drews Lane workforce for solidarity stoppages.

Jim Denham South-East London. Contact 691 1141. Next meeting Thursday February 10, 7.45pm at Lee Centre, Islibie Rd, off Lee High Rd. Pat Longman (Islington councillor) on 'Socialists and local government' Lambeth/Southwark meets every other Wednesday, Lansbury House, 41 Camberwell. Grove, London SE5. Business 7.30 to 8.30, open forum discussion 8.30. Next meeting February 16.

Hounslow. Meets fortnightly on Sundays, 8pm. For details phone 898 6961. Hackney. Contact c/o Andrew Hornung, 28 Carlton Mansions, Holmleigh Rd, N16.

SO is sold at the following London bookshops: Colletts, Central Books, The Other • Bookshop, Bookmarks, Bookplace [Peckham Rd, SE15], and Reading Matters [Wood Green Shopping City].

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