Celebrate the moments that defined and liberated the LGBT community
Celebrate the moments that defined and liberated the LGBT community
Celebrate the moments that defined and liberated the LGBT community
Celebrate the moments that defined and liberated the LGBT community
1950’s
The Wolfenden Report
After a number of well-known men are convicted of homosexual offences, a 1959 report says “homosexual behaviour between consenting adults in private should no longer be a criminal offence”. But the government rejects its recommendations.
Image source: BBC | Sound clip: CTVNewsStox
1960’s
The Sexual Offences Act
Sex ‘in private’ between two men over 21 is decriminalised in 1967. But not everywhere – it’s still illegal in the Merchant Navy, the Armed Forces, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
Image source: The Independent | Sound clip: Carlton Chambers YouTube channel
1970’s
Stephen Whittle
In 1974 the TV/TR group is formed for trans people in Manchester by Stephen Whittle, a trans man and prominent activist.
Image source: @stephenwhittle | Sound clip: Equality and Human Rights Commission
1980’s
Sir Ian McKellen
In 1988 he comes out live on BBC radio, in opposition to the UK law banning the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities, known as Section 28.
Image source: Stonewall | Sound clip: Spectacle Media
1990’s
Human Rights
In 1999 The European Court of Human Rights rules unanimously that two men who were investigated and discharged from the Royal Navy for being homosexual have had their right to a private life breached under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Image source: Shutterstock | Sound clip: KLEE Photography
2000’s
Civil Partnership
The Civil Partnership Act 2004 gives same sex couples the same rights and responsibilities as married straight couples in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The first ceremonies take place in Belfast in 2005. Religious groups campaign against what they call “a day of shame”.
Image source: @AmnestyNI | Sound clip: BBC archive
2010’s
Same sex marriage
The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 officially comes into force in 2014 and the first same sex marriages in England and Wales take place on 29 March of that year.
Image source: Shutterstock | Sound clip: euronews
If you need legal help, support or advice talk to LGBT Lawyers and begin your journey now
If you need legal help, support or advice talk to LGBT Lawyers and begin your journey now
If you need legal help, support or advice talk to LGBT Lawyers and begin your journey now
If you need legal help, support or advice talk to LGBT Lawyers and begin your journey now