Gay rights uk timeline

Fifty years ago, the Sexual Offences Act came into effect. The act, which decriminalised homosexual sex acts between consenting men over the age of 21, opened the door to a slew of legal and social changes which would transform the way British society viewed same-sex relationships over the next 50 years. Here are some of the key dates in the history of gay rights in the UK :. The text of the act described "buggery" as a "detestable and abominable Vice", punishable by death whether committed with "mankind or beast".

Although the act did not only target homosexuality this law also applied to sexual relations between a person and an animal , relations between two men or two women were the most common and publicised convictions. This new collection of laws targeted male same-sex activity, whereas previous laws applied to both men and women. Homosexuality between men remained punishable by death until an updated version of this act was released in The punishment was then replaced with 10 years imprisonment.

This information will help us make improvements to the website. How have they not? Plot each of these sources on the timeline. What kind of laws are affecting the people in each source?

As of June , a total of 65 jurisdictions criminalise private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity, with almost half being Commonwealth jurisdictions. Moreover, in the following countries, the death penalty is still a possibility for private, consensual same-sex activity:. Homepage Insights. Answers are just a click away Make an enquiry.