Uniform Proceedings Move (Press, 17 July 1964)

On 15 July 1964, police in Britain received an informal directive to refrain from pursuing charges against consenting homosexuals engaged in private activities. This instruction, communicated to heads of police forces, was designed to ensure uniformity in handling such cases by requiring police to submit details to the Director of Public Prosecutions prior to any action. A spokesman for the Home Office stated this move was intended to standardise procedures. Previously, police had been able to initiate prosecutions independently, leading to inconsistent outcomes across various jurisdictions. As a result, this shift may spark debate within Parliament, given the historical context surrounding laws on homosexuality. The issue of homosexual acts between consenting males had previously been addressed by a Government commission known as the Wolfenden Report, published seven years earlier, which advocated for the legalisation of such behaviour in private. Despite its recommendations, Parliament had not reached a consensus to alter existing law on the matter. Moreover, two years ago, an attempt to legislate on the issue through a Private Member’s Bill, which aimed to require consultation with the Director of Public Prosecutions in relevant cases, was ultimately dismissed during parliamentary proceedings. Current assessments suggest that significant legislative changes regarding homosexuality are unlikely to occur before the upcoming General Election scheduled for autumn 1964.

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