Homosexuality

Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 April 1964.

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Photo of Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore , Ayr 12:00, 16 April 1964

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he propose; to introduce legislation to implement the Wolfenden recommendations on homosexuality when practised between consenting parties and in private.

Photo of Mr Henry Brooke Mr Henry Brooke , Hampstead

I have no present plans for legislation.

Photo of Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore , Ayr

Will my right hon. Friend recall the case of a young man of 25 and about to be married who was accused of having committed one act of indecency 10 years earlier when he was about 16 and as a result he lost his job and lost his bride? Surely something must be done to prevent this sort of thing happening again.

Photo of Mr Henry Brooke Mr Henry Brooke , Hampstead

This is a very important matter but it is essentially a matter in which the Government must take account of the climate of public and Parliamentary opinion. My hon. Friend will remember that a Motion calling for the implementation of the Wolfenden Committee's recommendations was heavily defeated on a free vote in the House in 1960. I have no evidence that there has been a material change in the balance of opinions since then.