What were the Causes and Consequences of the Liberal Legislation, 1951-1979? Flashcards
Context
How Were Laws Introduced?
Many laws introduced by ‘Private Members’ not the government
Roy Jenkins (Wilson’s Home Secretary) supported many acts - logical reasons
Obscene Publications Act (1959), Theatre Act (1968)
Changing Attitudes
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
Obscene Publications Act (1959), Theatre Act (1968)
Acts
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)
Obscene Publications Act (1959), Theatre Act (1968)
Consequence
Increased sexual content seen by public
1972 Dr Alex Comfort’s book bestseller
Emmanuelle 4th most pop in 1977
Obscene Publications Act (1959), Theatre Act (1968)
Analysis
Relaxation of censorship
Traditional morality breaking down, more deemed acceptable
Sexual Offences Act (1967)
Public Attitudes
1963, 93% believed homosexuality was an illness that needed treatment, not imprisonment
Sexual Offences Act (1967)
Punishment
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
Sexual Offences Act (1967)
Wolfenden Committee
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
Sexual Offences Act (1967)
HLRS
1958
Homosexual Law Reform Society, pushed for implementation of recommendations
Support from academics, intellectuals, and Clement Attlee
Sexual Offences Act (1967)
Introduction/Support
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
Sexual Offences Act (1967)
Reception
Unpopular
Schofield’s research - 85% disapproved of homosexuality, wanted it treated more harshly
Sexual Offences Act (1967)
Changing Attitudes
Step towards liberal society
1970s, more cultural acceptance
David Bowie, Elton John, Freddy Mercury
Larry Grayson, ‘gay persona’ as a TV host
Sexual Offences Act (1967)
Analysis
Decriminalised homosexual acts
No immediate social improvement
Crucial step in challenging entrenched prejudices
Led to reduced stigma
Abortion Act (1967)
Introduction
Private member’s bill, MP David Steel
Practical realities, not moral concerns
40 deaths + 100,000 serious injuries in 1966 as result of ‘backstreet abortions’
Abortion Act (1967)
Support/Content
Supported by Roy Jenkins, unofficially encouraged Lab MPs to support
Abortion legal up to 28 weeks
Abortion Act (1967)
Impact
Removed stigma, improvement in choice and control for women
1967 - 27,000 legal abortions
1980 - 140,000
By 1980s, over 80% agreed access to abortion should be a women’s right
Abortion Act (1967)
Analysis
Legalised abortion - more freedom to choose
Gradual impact - reduction of stigma + abortions increased
By 1980s, widespread support