'Tell the Truth'

The Ethics, Aftermath, and Efficacy of OutRage!’s 1994 ‘Outing’ of the Anglican Church

Abstract

In `1994, at the General Synod of the Church of England, a group of protestors from OutRage! 'outed' ten Anglican bishops as secretly gay. OutRage! was a British, direct-action gay rights group started in the 1990s. Peter Tatchell, the leader of OutRage!, organized this protest to fight against the Church of England's homophobic and hypocritical rhetoric towards queer clergy. Tatchell claimed this moment as a pivotal one in the Anglican Church's attitude towards homosexual clergy and laity. This research examines Tatchell's claim as well as the 'outing' as a protest method. This research examines the history and ideology behind 'outing,' OutRage!'s activism, and the Church of England's public attitude towards homosexuality. Utilizing tabloid media coverage and other archival documents, this essay examines if the 'outing' of Anglican bishops between 1994 and 1995 was ethical and effective, and if it catalyzed real change within the Church. Through this research, I argue that while the church's policy towards homosexuality was not effected by this protest, the consciousness raising that occured around the UK due to the media coverage of these 'outings' was hugely effective and had widespread consequences both inside and outside of the church.