Inside GRiP: Supergrass make Cardiff feel alright
News speak to Neil Kinnock about Europe
Monday 11 November / Free Word 730
gairrhydd “We will remember them”
Homophobic campaign targets Halls students Mark Cobley reports LESBIAN, GAY and bisexual students at Cardiff have been shocked and horrified at an insidious homophobic campaign carried out against them in Halls of Residence. The harassment has been started in response to the Union’s own antihomophobia drive. This involved placing fliers on every bed in universityowned accommodation, raising awareness of LGB issues and carrying the clear message “Homophobia is wrong, don’t live with it.” However since then many homosexual and bisexual students have been subject to increasing harassment – as a
direct response to the flier. Alarming reports have been received of a group of students going around halls, knocking on doors and talking to residents about homosexuality. The group was quoted as saying “homosexuality is a sin”, and that it is “wrong”, “immoral” and “unnatural”. The group also requested residents to inform them “of any LGB students that you know so that we can talk to them and show them the error of their ways”, as well as distributing religious literature. There have also been reports of student groups engaging in similar activities in other institutions in Wales, such as Swansea and
“Homosexuality is a sin. It is immoral, unnatural and wrong.” ALLEGED COMMENTS OF ANTIHOMOSEXUALITY GROUPS
Are LGB students safe from discrimination in Halls?
Lampeter, and other cases throughout the UK. Several cases have led to some religious groups being banned from Students’ Unions. These new incidents at Cardiff come just a few weeks after the Church of England appointed a new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, well-known for his liberal, tolerant views towards homosexuality. James Knight, until recently the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual students’ officer for the Union, commented: “Such blatant homophobia has an enormous potential for damage, especially given the vulnerable nature of many LGB students who may not have come out to anyone before coming to university. “Conceivably, they might not come out at all now, leading to further suffering for these students”. James went on, “Nationwide, lesbian, gay and bisexual students are facing active and organised prejudice not only from different religious groups, but also from far-right political groups such as the BNP. “This is why Cardiff Union has a ‘no-platform’ policy, to protect all students from bigotry, prejudice and discrimination. “However, this ‘noplatform’ policy does not extend to Halls. “I implore the Union Executive to take action on this incredibly serious issue as a matter of urgency because when prejudice is allowed a foothold in one area of university life, inevitably it will begin to pervade other areas. “We must stop this blatant discrimination, find out who is at the bottom of it, and prevent the situation from occurring ever again”. Any students who may have suffered such discrimination and prejudice are urged to contact the LGB society through the cardiffstudents.com webpage, or approach the Union Executive officers.
Happy Hallowe’en! Mel Ackbory reports ON HALLOWE’EN night the Student’s Union was transformed into a ghoulish grotto, with devils, monsters and other creatures all out in strength. But it was all for a good cause. The Rocky Horror Event, held in Solus on October 31 raised nearly £3,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness. Emma King, the event’s organiser, said: “We’re all very excited that the night went so well. We all had a great time and raised a lot of money for the charity. “The RAG and SHAG societies helped out a great deal, as well as the Union’s Entertainment department, especially the new Marketing Manager Patrick Smith.
“We’re very grateful to everyone who helped us out”. SHAG also collected money during the week and held a stall during the night with leaflets and information about breast cancer. £2,000 was raised through ticket sales alone and the rest was raised through collecting money during the week, selling pink ribbons and holding a raffle. Prizes were donated by
Fast Phones shop in the Union, UGC, HMV, Thornton’s Chocolates and Lush Cosmetics. The event was organised in conjunction with the “In The Pink” campaign, which is run by the charity Cancer Research UK. It is Britain’s leading charity, with a team of 3,000 scientists, doctors and nurses working together towards finding a cure for cancer.
WE INTERVIEW BRITISH SPRINTER DARREN CAMBELL IN SPORT, PAGE 24 News p 1–6 ● Letters p.11 Features p.15 Comment p. 9 ● Sport p.24 ● GRiP p15 ● TV listings, GRiP p.21
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