Social Developments: Divorce and Censorship Flashcards
Who proposed a Private Members Bill to add 7 years separation as grounds for divorce?
Labour MP Eirene White
What happened with the 1951 Divorce PMB?
It gained an easy majority but was not passed to avoid controversy.
What happened to divorces during WWII?
They reached a peak
What happened to divorces after WWII over the next 15 years?
They fell by 60,000 requests
What did the government persuade Eirene White to do instead?
Create a Commission for Marriage and Divorce
What was a limitation of the Commissioners in the Divorce Commission?
They resisted the cultural change and wanted to abolish divorce all together
What was significant about what the Commissioners said about divorce?
It was the most negative judgement on divorce reform of the century
What was the office in the government which could censor any media?
Lord Chamberlain’s Office
What Act was passed to allow the publication of more sexually explicit books?
1959 Obscene Publications Act
What did the 1959 Act allow?
Allowed vague defense of publication for the public good of such books
What is an example of a book which was published after this act was passed?
Lady Chatterleys Lover
What legal action did Lady Chatterleys Lover experience?
It was put to trial.
What was the result of the books trial?
36 writers and a Bishop proclaimed it was a book that ‘All Christians should read’
How many sales did Lady Chatterleys lover get in 3 months of publication?
3 million copies in 3 months
What type of reforms were starting to be proposed in the 1950’s?
Liberal reforms
