Last edited: February 14, 2005


Britain to Legalize Gay Sex

365Gay.com Newscenter in London, November 20, 2002

By Peter Moore

London—The British government announced Tuesday that it is decriminalizing gay sex. Legislation is to be introduced in Parliament to abolish the laws against buggery, gross indecency and soliciting by men.

The laws against gay sex were enacted during the Victorian age but have been seldom enforced in the past two decades.

Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "The law on sex offences is widely recognized as archaic, incoherent and discriminatory."

"Consensual sex in private that does not harm anyone should no longer be an offence.

"We must have laws that are fit for the 21st century, that reflect today’s society and attitudes and provide effective protection against today’s crimes," Blunkett said.

The measures, the first significant overhaul of sex laws since 1956, will go before parliament early next year.

The bill will also include new legislation on rape pedophilia and child pornography.


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