What were the Causes and Consequences of the Liberal Legislation, 1951-1979?

Question 1

Context

How Were Laws Introduced?

Answer 1

Many laws introduced by ‘Private Members’ not the government
Roy Jenkins (Wilson’s Home Secretary) supported many acts - logical reasons

Question 2

Obscene Publications Act (1959), Theatre Act (1968)

Changing Attitudes

Answer 2

Post-war shift, fuelled by books
Sexual Behaviour in the Human Female (1953) by Alfred Kinsley
Stark contrast to laws enforcing strict censorship of art, literature, and culture

Question 3

Obscene Publications Act (1959), Theatre Act (1968)

Acts

Answer 3

OPA - Relaxed censorship, allowed ‘obscene’ material in cases of ‘literary or artistic merit’
TA - Removed theatre and screen censorship, in place since Licensing Act (1737)

Question 4

Obscene Publications Act (1959), Theatre Act (1968)

Consequence

Answer 4

Increased sexual content seen by public
1972 Dr Alex Comfort’s book bestseller
Emmanuelle 4th most pop in 1977

Question 5

Obscene Publications Act (1959), Theatre Act (1968)

Analysis

Answer 5

Relaxation of censorship
Traditional morality breaking down, more deemed acceptable

Question 6

Sexual Offences Act (1967)

Public Attitudes

Answer 6

1963, 93% believed homosexuality was an illness that needed treatment, not imprisonment

Question 7

Sexual Offences Act (1967)

Punishment

Answer 7

Over 1,000 men imprisoned in 1950s due to their sexuality
Daily Mail journalist Peter Wildeblood given an 18 month sentence in 1954, many felt it was too harsh

Question 8

Sexual Offences Act (1967)

Wolfenden Committee

Answer 8

1957, pressure from church groups and moral campaigners, so MacMillan’s gov commission Wolfenden Report
Found decline in morality and weakening of family values - recommended harsher laws against prostitution, but legalisation of homosexuality

Question 9

Sexual Offences Act (1967)

HLRS

Answer 9

1958
Homosexual Law Reform Society, pushed for implementation of recommendations
Support from academics, intellectuals, and Clement Attlee

Question 10

Sexual Offences Act (1967)

Introduction/Support

Answer 10

Introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by MP Leo Abse
Roy Jenkins gave it parliamentary time despite personal views - individual freedom
Only covered England and Wales, over 21, in private, and not for the Navy or Army