Voice of The Argus (March 27) is absolutely right to call for better education at school and the repeal of Section 28 as part of the prevention of homophobic hate crimes.

However, schools are unlikely to be successful alone and they need the support of all parts of the community in undertaking that work.

The Argus has, of course, an important part to play.

Recent development such as the Children's Act, the Healthy Schools Initiative and government advice to schools on bullying are all helpful, as is the new General Teaching Council's code of professional values in encouraging teachers to address homophobia.

Politicians, other community and religious leaders, school governors and, most importantly, parents need to be more aware of the issues, as do the courts.

There is increasing recognition that homophobic violence can arise because the perpetrators are worried about their own sexuality and are trying to prove to their friends they are not, themselves, gay.

When this leads to the sort of cowardly attacks by large groups of thugs, all involved need to be reminded they risk a custodial sentence.

-Tim Lucas, Executive Member, National Union of Teachers