Edwina Currie, the former MP who campaigned for an equal age of consent at 16, will lead the Conservative Party’s LGBT group in this Saturday’s Manchester Pride parade.
This year, 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the Criminal Justice Act, the first successful attempt to improve the law on homosexuality since it was decriminalised in 1967. Currie, a Conservative MP, proposed the equalisation of the age of consent at 16. Her all-party amendment split both the Labour and Conservative Parties and was defeated by a narrow margin, though the age was lowered to 18.
Following years of campaigning an equal age of consent was eventually achieved in 2000.
Edwina, said: “I’m so glad we achieved equality. The old law anachronistically “protected” gay men up to the age of 21, but it was ludicrous that they could join the army, vote and drink alcohol all before they could legally have a partner.
“I’m pleased to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of my amendment at Manchester Pride. We will be out there showing Conservatives not only believe in equality, but fight for it!”
LGBTory Chairman, Colm Howard-Lloyd, added: “I am delighted that Edwina, a pioneer of equality, will be leading the parade. I remember campaigning with groups such as Stonewall outside parliament in the late 90s for an equal age of consent and it’s great to be marking the 20th anniversary of the start of this battle with the women who kicked it all off!
“There is a popular myth that Conservative politicians’ interest in equality began and ended when we delivered equal marriage. Edwina’s fight against opposition from all parties shows how wrong that is.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.