Homosexual Law Reform Society Appeals For World... (Press, 23 June 1959)

On 23 June 1959, the Homosexual Law Reform Society in London, led by the Rev. A. Hallidie Smith, issued an appeal for global support regarding the implementation of the recommendations from the Wolfenden Report. This report proposed that consensual homosexual acts between adults in private should not be classified as a criminal offence. The society contends that this issue warrants attention from thoughtful individuals around the world, prompting them to reach out to nearly 100 significant newspapers and periodicals for assistance. In the letter, Mr Smith highlighted the growing concerns in Great Britain over the strict laws governing homosexual behaviour. Under current legislation, homosexual acts can incur penalties of up to life imprisonment, although this maximum sentence is rarely enforced. However, the existence of such severe laws often results in disproportionately harsh sentencing for those prosecuted. The Wolfenden committee, set up by the Government and headed by Sir John Wolfenden, recommended reforms back in 1957. Their proposals received substantial backing, including support from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, various church assemblies, the Church of England’s Moral Welfare Council, and even a Roman Catholic advisory committee. Additionally, many prominent newspapers and individuals across different sectors supported the reforms. Despite this widespread endorsement, the government has yet to take legislative action aligned with the committee's recommendations. The letter also notes the ongoing issue of prosecutions for consensual homosexual acts among adults, indicating that there has been no decrease in such cases despite public backing for reform. The Homosexual Law Reform Society, established in May 1958, aims to advocate for the Wolfenden proposals and believes the current laws are unjust and excessively harsh. The society is actively working to raise awareness through letters to the press, communication with Parliament members, and the distribution of informational materials to the public. They argue that their efforts will help alleviate unnecessary suffering and open up avenues for productive discussion and research on this challenging topic. The organisation is seeking support, both financial and otherwise, from those who resonate with their cause, which they regard as a fundamental matter of justice.

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