You are viewing content from Gaydio Manchester. Would you like to make this your preferred location?

59 Years since a landmark LGBTQ+ law that changed history, but only went halfway

Monday, 27 July 2026 14:27

July 27 marks 59 years since the Sexual Offences Act 1967 received Royal Assent, partially decriminalising sex between men in England and Wales.

The law was a landmark moment in LGBTQ+ history, but its protections were limited. It applied only to consensual sex between two men in private, and only if both were aged 21 or over.

At the time, the age of consent for heterosexual sex was already 16, meaning gay and bisexual men still faced five more years of criminalisation.

The Act also applied only in England and Wales. It did not cover Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Merchant Navy or the Armed Forces. Similar reforms were not introduced in Scotland until 1980, and in Northern Ireland until 1982.

Its strict definition of “in private” also left men vulnerable to prosecution. Sex was not considered private if more than two people took part or were present, or if it happened in a public place.

The Bill was introduced by Labour MP Leo Abse in the House of Commons and Conservative peer Lord Arran in the House of Lords. After an intense night of debate, it passed its third reading by 101 votes to 16.

The legislation followed the 1957 Wolfenden Report, which had recommended that private consensual acts between adults should no longer be criminal offences.

The Act was a major step forward, but it was not equality. For many LGBTQ+ people across the UK, full legal recognition remained decades away.

More from GAYDIO NEWS

Turkish police arrest dozens in raids on gay bars and LGBTQ+ activists' homes

At least 47 people have been detained after dawn raids across Turkey targeting LGBTQ+ organisations as part of a government campaign to "protect family values."
The gay rugby hero who saved lives on 9/11 — and became a global sporting legacy

25 years ago today, Mark Bingham helped storm the cockpit of hijacked Flight 93. The openly gay rugby player is now honoured by the world's biggest LGBTQ+ rugby tournament.
Liverpool's Pride announces 2027 date and new community-led approach

Liverpool's Pride will return on 31 July 2027 with a new community board and joint leadership from Sahir House and LCR Pride Foundation, following feedback from this year's event.
Drag Race Down Under vs The World S1 winner revealed

It’s been a battle of sickening looks, shady reads and some seriously fierce lip-syncs, but the race for international drag supremacy has officially come to an end.
RuPaul's Drag Race UK axed by BBC!

The BBC has dropped Drag Race UK after eight series due to financial pressures, but the show's getting a new home on WOW Presents Plus — and for the first time ever, a UK All Stars edition.
Inside La Bola Negra: The already viral, award-winning ‘queer epic’ directed by two iconic Drag Race judges

La Bola Negra, the upcoming gay love story spanning three time periods, is directed by Los Javis and has already scooped Best Director at Cannes. Plus, Glenn Close saying the title has gone viral.