Societies Changing Views of Homosexuality: Cultural Change Flashcards
In the 16th century, what were homosexual acts punishable by?
Death.
In which century was the death penalty removed for homosexual acts?
19th Century.
In the 19th Century what did law still prohibit?
Any sexual activity between males.
What happened to Oscar Wilde?
He was convicted for sexual activity with another male and sentenced to two years in prison.
In terms of law and homosexuality, what happened in the 1950s?
Several high-profile arrests for homosexual indecency were made which allowed open discussion for a change in the law.
What happened in 1957?
The Wolfenden Report was published which stated that law should not intrude into matters of personal morality.
What happened in 1967?
Homosexuality was decriminalised in England and Wales with the age of consent for homosexuals set as 21 years.
What happened in 1994?
The age of consent was lowered to 18 by the Criminal Justice and Public Order act 1994
What happened in 2000?
The age of consent was lowered to 16 by the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000.
Various groups such as Stonewall campaigned for equal right for same sex couples.
What happened in 2004?
Civil partnerships were permitted as a result of the Civil Partnership Act 2004.
What happened in 2014?
The law allowed the first same-sex marriage under the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013.
What is the Equality Act 2010?
It makes it a criminal offence to discriminate against someone on the grounds of their sexual orientation.
What are three reasons why the views of society have changed?
- Cultural changes/structure of society is changing.
- Society is less religious.
- People generally do not fear or believe in God.
