Gay freedom limited by costs

An increasing number of gay students are having to repress their sexuality because of tuition fees, student union campaigners have claimed. Having to study at a university close to home means that students find their freedoms restricted, said a spokesman for the National Union of Students' Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Campaign this week. The campaign is fighting fees on the grounds that they severely restrict student choice of institution. "LGB students often choose to get as far away from home as possible," said Howard Ford, the NUS LGB convenor. Disapproving parents often withhold maintenance payments.