The Legalisation Of Homosexual Relations

Question 1

What was homosexuality like prior to 1960s

Answer 1

-men imprisoned 2 years for being gay
-wolfenden report 1967 — recommended homosexual acts take place free from fear of charge but cons govt rejected this
-lab govt divided on issue + left to Leo abse backbencher with support of Jenkins

Question 2

What was the 1967 sexual offences act

Answer 2

-Jenkins support enabled Abse time for private members bill decriminalise homosexuality to become law
-but it inky decriminalised + not legalised — both partners had to consent, over 21 + had to be in private
-act was welcomed by men previously afraid to declare sexuality
-but strictly interpreted in private so didn’t mean end of prosecution