how social change leads to changes in the law - homosexuality

Question 1

when was homosexuality DECRIMINALISED?

Answer 1

1967 - SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT 1967

Question 2

when were CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS LEGALISED?

Answer 2

2004 - CIVIL PARTNERSHIP ACT 2004

Question 3

when were SAME SEX MARRIAGES LEGALISED?

Answer 3

2014 - SAME SEX MARRIAGE COUPLES ACT 2014

Question 4

why was homosexuality decriminalised?

Answer 4

1. cultural changes on the structure of society - more liberal people in government and more rights and equality in general
2. society is less religious - many religions suggest homosexuality is wrong

Question 5

using homosexuality as an example, explain how social changes affect policy development (6 MARKS)

Answer 5

• Social values, norms, and mores affect how society changes and therefore can bring about changes in the law
• Up until 1967, homosexuality was illegal and was labelled as a mental illness and seen as wrong and immoral
• As religion decreased and people became more accepting of other cultures, people became more tolerant and campaigns for LGBTQ+ rights increased which led to changes in the law regarding homosexuality laws
• In 1967, the SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT saw homosexuality becoming decriminalised
• In 2004, the CIVIL PARTNERSHIP ACT came into force which gave homosexual partners rights such as property rights and care of children
• The SAME SEX COUPLES MARRIAGE ACT came into force in 2014 which meant marriage for same sex couples was legal