Section 28 is vitally important as a bulwark against a tide of propaganda that is undermining the family as the foundation of our society.

Although it is trendy to deride it, study after study has shown that the nuclear family is the best way to raise children. Delinquency rates are lower than with other family types and the children, generally speaking, grow up with a healthier attitude towards others and themselves. This is now a proven sociological fact.

Section 28 was introduced to prevent the misguided propagation of gay families as an equally valid way of raising children, or in the case of some of the wilder local councils, the only valid way. 

We have paid a heavy price over the last twenty years for the permissive revolution of the 1960s with teenage pregnancies, single families and divorce all at record levels. Crime figures and social dislocation are now established side effects of this growth, not to mention a huge increase in welfare spending. The propagation of gay families would be a dangerous addition to this process.

It is important to recognise that the legislation only prevents the "promotion" of homosexuality as a "pretended family relationship." It does not prevent balanced sex education, nor does it preclude teachers from educating students about gay lifestyles, nor should it result in any increase in bullying. 

Chris Woodhead, the Chief Inspector of Schools, confirmed this and went on to say: "My own experience is that there is no evidence that Clause 28 has had a negative influence on teachers' ability to deal with homophobic bullying."

Most compellingly, a clear majority of the population is opposed to the repeal of Section 28. This has been confirmed in opinion poll after opinion poll. In fact the Conservative Party's recent victory in the Ayr by-election to the Scottish Parliament, the first of its kind for the party in 30 years, has been attributed to their defence of S.28.

Church leaders of Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths are vehemently opposed to its repeal, and in Scotland Muslim parents have threatened to take their children out of the state system if it goes. Kent County Council was so worried that it has gone to the extraordinary lengths of issuing its own guidelines on the issue that will remain in force whether or not S.28 stays.

Nobody is advocating homophobia, but equally, we have already gone too far down the road of moral relativism that says all lifestyles are equally valid. Where children are concerned they are not. We should not repeat the mistakes of the 1960s and 1970s, and certainly not use our children as a political football. Keeping S.28 is the best insurance we have that this won't happen.