The Gay Rights Movement | The campaign for sexual equality
Press Conference | Sir John Wolfenden
Sir John Wolfenden is questioned about the recently published report on homosexuality.
CHANNEL | BBC Television Service
FIRST BROADCAST | 06 September 1957
DURATION | 24 minutes 34 seconds
FIRSTBROADCAST
1957
Synopsis
As chairman of a government sponsored committee on homosexual offences and prostitution, Wolfenden discusses the body's recently published report. This recommends that the law should safeguard public order, not regulate people's private lives. The implication is that homosexuality and prostitution are not criminal, unless those involved are exploited or harmed.
Did you know?
Thanks mainly to the efforts of MP Leo Abse, the law was eventually changed in 1967 - in England and Wales - to decriminalise homosexual acts between consenting males over the age of 21.
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