Homosexual Bill Passed (Press, 7 July 1967)

On 6 July 1967, the House of Commons in London passed a significant bill legalising homosexual acts in private between consenting adult males after an intense eight-hour debate. The bill was approved by a free, nonparty vote of 99 to 14. Home Secretary Roy Jenkins hailed the legislation as an "important piece of social legislation" that is now on its way to becoming law. Jenkins noted that there has been a considerable shift in public and parliamentary opinion since the bill was first introduced by Labour Party member Leo Abse seven years prior. The bill's approval was met with cheers from members of the House, which saw many coming forward to congratulate Abse. Supporters argued that the legislation would help eliminate common issues of espionage blackmail that have historically affected homosexual diplomats and public officials. Reports from the 1950s indicated that some British diplomats defected to the Soviet Union partly due to fears of being blackmailed over their sexual orientation. Despite the overall support, the bill faced strong opposition, with some critics attempting to delay the vote through various parliamentary tactics. During the lengthy debate, the government maintained a neutral position, while the opposition expressed concerns about the implications of legalising homosexuality. They argued that such moves jeopardised the moral fabric of society. Notable opposition came from Conservative Sir Cyril Osborne, who expressed disdain for what he perceived as a trend of adapting democracy to accommodate various societal elements he disapproved of. Jenkins emphasised that the bill was not an endorsement of homosexuality but rather a response to the difficulties faced by individuals dealing with stigma, loneliness, and guilt associated with their sexual orientation. He stated that the essential question was whether these individuals should also be subjected to criminal prosecution in addition to their existing struggles. He further pledged that if the bill became law, he would consider remitting the sentences of those currently imprisoned for acts that would no longer be criminalised. It was noted that the legislation would not change the status of homosexual behaviour within the armed forces, where it would still be considered an offence. The bill is expected to move to the House of Lords later in the week for further consideration. With an estimated population of between 500,000 to one million homosexuals in Britain, the advancement of this bill represents a crucial shift in the legal and social landscape regarding homosexuality in the UK.

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