Why were the CDA repealed? Flashcards
What medical evidence was there of the Acts having a negative impact?
- In some areas the incidence of venereal diseases was increasing again.
- A study produced by Dr Charles Routh and Prof Henry Lee connected increases incidence to men feeling it was safer to visit prostitutes after compulsory checks were introduced.
What were the legal and principled objections to the Acts which appeared as time progressed?
That the law contravened Habeas Corpus and basic rights enshrined since the Magna Carta to do with freedom from arbitrary arrest, requirements for evidence, right to privacy and presumption of innocence.
What was the view of some religious groups towards the Acts?
Quakers and Methodists expressed concerns about the inequality between men and women, fearing it legitimised immoral male behaviour.
What organisation was set up first in 1869?
The National Association for Repeal of Contagious Diseases
What kind of movement was the National Association?
A m/c, male movement which did not even allow women to join initially. Its members included businessmen, lawyers, clergy, academics and several MPs. These included Liberals William Fowler and James Stansfield. John Stuart Mill, who also supported female suffrage, was a vocal supporter.
What was the initial action of the National Association in 1869?
To present a petition to the Home Secretary with the signatures of 50 medical professionals opposed to the Acts. Supporters of the Acts responded with a petition signed by over 1000 doctors.
How did the movement for the repeal of the CDA shift over the 1870s?
10,000 petitions containing over 2 million signatures were submitted against the Acts. Only 45 with fewer than 4000 signatures were submitted in favour of them. Nevertheless, supporters if the Acts had far greater influence and better connections than opponents.
Why did the debate surrounding the repeal of the CDA continue for more than 15 years?
‘The Lancet’ and other medical journals were key sources of influence which swayed newspapers such as ‘the Times’ who did not take a balanced view for many years.
Which organisation was formed a few weeks after the National Association?
The Ladies’ National Association for the Repeal of the Contagious Diseases Acts (LNA).
Who instigated the formation of the LNA?
Elizabeth Wolstenholme
What did the LNA release on 31 December 1869?
Their ‘Women’s Manifesto’
What kind of scope did the Women’s Manifesto get?
It was published in the Daily News which had a large circulation of 150,000.
How did the press react to the LNA’s involvement in the repeal campaign?
Shocked and impressed. They praised their courage and tenacity.
How were the suspected women examined?
Via forcible examination by speculum.
Why did Elizabeth Wolstenholme decide not to lead the LNA?
She was concerned that she would be perceived as too radical and as immoral, given that she was unmarried and not well respected.
Why was Josephine Butler a better choice to lead the LNA than Wolstenholme?
She was married, respectable, and deemed moral as she was evangelical Christian. The campaign would be taken more seriously with Butler as leader.
What are the 3 main reasons which made Butler a good leader for the LNA?
- She possessed a kind, non-judgmental nature whose personal relationship with prostitutes motivated her to get the CDA repealed.
- She was a married, Christian woman, giving her moral equity.
- She had a political mind and was very charismatic.
Which 2 factors motivated Butler to want to campaign for women’s rights?
- Family: Her daughter tragically died at 6. This event motivated her to seek and help others in a worse position than her.
- Religion: She was an evangelical Christian who wanted to spread her religion to help others.
What positive impact did Henry Wilson have on the campaign to repeal the Acts?
He was an MP and got the support of the Liberal Party. He was involved in much of the organisation and worked hard to provide the backbone to the LNA’s repeal campaign.
What positive impact did James Stansfeld have on the campaign to repeal the Acts?
He used his influence inside and outside Parliament to strengthen the repeal campaign. From 1874 he took a leading role in the national campaign. Stansfeld adopted new strategies such as developing scientific arguments against the Acts based on facts. He encouraged the formation of the National Medical Association in 1875 to get the support of doctors to testify against the Acts.
