British Controversy On Vice Report (Press, 6 September 1957)

A government committee in Britain, known as the Wolfenden Committee, has recommended that homosexuality between consenting adults no longer be treated as a criminal offence. This announcement, released on 4 September 1957, is expected to spark significant controversy in the UK. The committee, chaired by Sir John Wolfenden and comprising 15 members including lawyers, doctors, and clergymen, only saw one member dissent from the recommendation. The report has highlighted a stark division of opinion across various media and public discourse regarding homosexuality, with notable opposition from newspapers fearing that changes in the law could erode moral standards in society. The committee's report not only addresses homosexuality but also proposes stricter penalties for street prostitution. They suggest raising the fines for first and second offences to £10 and £25 respectively, and include a three-month prison sentence for subsequent offences. Current laws require evidence that citizens have been annoyed by prostitution, which the committee recommends eliminating. Additionally, the report calls for stricter actions against landlords who allow prostitution on their properties, noting that they should be penalised for profiting from such activities. While suggesting these heightened consequences, the committee expressed concern that such measures may lead to an increase in call-girl services or advertisements for "companions" in local media. They ultimately concluded that these developments, albeit undesirable, might be less harmful than the visible presence of street prostitution. The committee deliberated on the idea of licensed brothels but dismissed it, arguing that state endorsement of prostitution contradicts efforts to improve societal and moral standards. The inquiry has challenged the common perception of widespread exploitation within the prostitution industry, stating that many women willingly engage in these activities. It appears the committee believes that criminalising acts of prostitution will not effectively diminish the practice, as demand remains strong amongst men. On the subject of homosexuality, the committee concluded that the law should not interfere in the private lives of consenting adults, maintaining that legal action should only address situations that threaten public order. The existing law, which can impose life imprisonment for serious homosexual offences by men, is regarded as excessive. The committee suggests that the law continue to protect young people under 21 from older men, recommending stronger sanctions against exploitation in those cases. The report acknowledges that while there is some evidence that homosexuality can impact family life negatively, the same can be said for heterosexual adultery, questioning why homosexuality is uniquely criminalised. The committee firmly opposes framing laws based on historical prejudices against homosexuality, asserting that personal behaviour should not be subject to criminal penalties when it does not pose a public risk. This comprehensive report from the Wolfenden Committee, following three years of inquiries, is set to be debated in the House of Commons during the new parliamentary session in November 1957, and will likely influence the future of both sexual and prostitution laws in Britain.

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