Liberal Society

Question 1

Name and explain the Liberal laws that were passed? (1951-79)

Answer 1

• 1959: Obscene Publications Act - Allowed ‘serious works of art’ to use ‘obscene’ words and imagery
• 1967: Sexual Offences Act - Legalised homosexuality
• 1967: Abortion Act - Legalised abortions
• 1967: Family Planning Act - Made the pill available on the NHS

Question 2

Name some negative aspects of the Liberal society

Answer 2

• During WWII - high venereal disease rate (STIs)
• Newspapers gave misleading image of a ‘sexual revolution’ - some newspapers portrayed sexual liberation as having massive consequences
• Mary Whitehouse 1964 - School, Christian, teacher launched a campaign called Clean Up TV - believed that TV was the most corrupting medium in modern life - gained rapid popularity
• NVALA 1965 - Co-founded by Mary Whitehouse, National Viewers and Listeners Association - attracted campaigners from the general public, Church of England, and police officers - group opposed to sex, violence and swearing on TV - thought to have influenced the banning of child pornography
• Despite changes, 85% of public still disapproved of homosexuality
• Sex Scandals 1963 - Rumours began of sex parties held by homes of wealthy families
  Profumo (Minister of War) was sharing a 19yo sexual partner with a Soviet military expert - introduced the idea that they didn’t deserve people’s trust solely due to their position
• Festival of Light - Organisation founded in 60s, Whitehouse involved - Aimed to prevent sexualisation on TV and promote Christian teachings
  1971 - Organised Nationwide events including the lighting of beacons on hill tops, attracting over 100k people to take part
• Often these laws that were passed went against the views of the majority of then British public

Question 3

Name the positives of the Liberal society (1951-79)

Answer 3

• British New Wave (late 50s) - Writers and filmmakers wanted to articulate Britain’s changing attitudes - saw the decline of respect for authority and older generations
• By 50s, view that the state had a role in regulating private sexual behaviour, particularly homosexuality, was somewhat accepted
• Homosexual Law Reform Society was founded in 1958
• Book giving sex advice, stating both men AND women could enjoy sex had 3mil copies sold by 1964
• Premarital sex and having multiple sexual partners became more widely accepted
• 1967 Sexual Offences Act - legalised homosexuality
• 1967 Abortion Act - legalised abortions
• 1967 Family Planning Act - made the pill available on the NHS