Tag: 1967 Sexual Offences Act

Contemporary History, 20th century history, Legal history, LGBTQ+ History, Modern, Social history

Lesbians and the law: the Wolfenden Report and same-sex desire between women

Our final blog for LGBTQ+ History Month comes from Dr Caroline Derry, who has recently published a book on lesbianism and the criminal law. Here, Caroline will explore the significance of the report of the Committee on Homosexual Offences and Prostitution to the legal and parliamentary status of lesbian sexuality… In 1958, Harford Montgomery Hyde MP asked the House of Commons, ‘If homosexual conduct between … Continue reading Lesbians and the law: the Wolfenden Report and same-sex desire between women

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Modern, 19th Century history, 20th century history, Legal history, LGBTQ+ History, Social history

Legislating Homosexuality: Codification, Empire and the Commonwealth

The final blog in our trio for LGBT+ History Month comes from our Public Engagement Officer, Sammy Sturgess. She considers how nineteenth century legal reform in the British Empire impacted the regulation of homosexuality and its Commonwealth legacy… 2019 is the 70th anniversary of the Commonwealth so it seems appropriate to consider the legacy of British colonial-era legislation on Commonwealth nations. Specifically, given that it’s … Continue reading Legislating Homosexuality: Codification, Empire and the Commonwealth

History of ParliamentLeave a comment
Contemporary History, 20th century history, LGBTQ+ History, Modern, Oral history, Social history

50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act, 1967

On 12 July 2017 we brought together parliamentarians, activists and historians to mark 50 years since the passing of the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, which partially decriminalised homosexuality in England and Wales. Here we report back from the event… We were delighted when the Speaker accepted our suggestion to organise an event in his official apartments to mark the anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of … Continue reading 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act, 1967

Emma PeplowLeave a comment
Modern, 19th Century history, 20th century history, LGBTQ+ History, Social history, Victorian

Parliament and same-sex marriage

As parliament again debates the same-sex marriage bill, Dr Ruth Paley, editor of the House of Lords 1660-1832 section takes a look back at parliament and same-sex marriage… Despite the controversy that surrounds current discussions about same-sex marriage it is difficult for us in the 21st century to appreciate just how far attitudes to homosexuality have changed over the relatively recent past.  In 1953, just … Continue reading Parliament and same-sex marriage

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