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Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Decriminilization of Homosexuality

We mark the 50th Anniversary of the Decriminalization of Homosexuality, with the words of Lord Arran spoken in the House of Lords as the Bill was passed

SEXUAL OFFENCES (No. 2) BILL

HL Deb 21 July 1967 vol 285 cc522-6

12.2 p.m. House in Committee (according to Order).House resumed: Bill reported without amendment; Report received.

 

THE EARL OF ARRAN My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill do now pass. This is a little occasion, and perhaps I may say a few things. When we first debated these affairs—and how long ago it seems!—I said that your Lordships had it in your power to remove fear from the hearts of men. This you have done. It was this House which gave the lead. Because of the Bill now to be enacted, perhaps a million human beings will be able to live in greater peace. I find this an awesome and marvellous thing………..

 

For my own small part, just this. In the last two years I have been navigating in deep and troubled waters, so deep and so troubled that at times I feared I would be engulfed. At such times I have been strengthened and sustained by the knowledge that I had the approval and support of the majority of this House, including the Lords Spiritual and, in particular, of my new and neutral friends, the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor and the noble Lord, Lord Stonham, to whom I owe so much. These things have meant much to me. I count myself privileged to be a very minor member of this generous and, in the true sense, noble assembly. I beg to move.

 

Moved, That the Bill do now pass.—(The Earl of Arran.)

 

 

At the Annual Methodist Conference in Derby in 1993, a set of resolutions were passed regarding human sexuality (reviewed and retained in 2007). This includes a resolution which states that “Conference recognises, affirms and celebrates the participation and ministry of lesbians and gay men in the church. Conference calls on the Methodist people to begin a pilgrimage of faith to combat repression and discrimination, to work for justice and human rights and to give dignity and worth to people whatever their sexuality.”

To see the full set of resolutions, and for more information, please see http://www.methodist.org.uk/who-we-are/views-of-the-church/human-sexuality