The history and politics of the English protest song

1989

No Clause 28

Tune: Original
Lyrics: Boy George
Composer: Boy George

Clause 28 of the Local Government Act (1988) prohibited ‘promoting’ homosexuality. Resistance to it formed part of wider consolidation of support for gay rights. The song includes an impersonation of Margaret Thatcher (addressed directly as ‘Iron Lady’). A rap by MC L-Dog makes connections to AIDS, NHS underfunding, the indistinguishability of political parties and the clamping of cars. Section 28 was repealed in England in 2003; wheel clamping on private land was banned in 2012; the NHS remains underfunded.

Cause: Equal Rights
Theme: Freedoms | Rights
Addressed to: Elected Representatives | Activists
Target of Protest: Elected Representatives
Proposal/Solution: Abolition