LGBT+ History Month and the laws that make a difference

🌈Celebrating LGBT+ History Month: The British laws that have made a difference.

Legal milestones reflect hard-won rights and the resilience of LGBTQ+ people. Legal changes also show the shifting attitudes in society to one that is more inclusive. Here are some of the watershed moments in Britain’s legal history for LGBT+ people.

🏳️‍🌈 1967: The decriminalisation of homosexuality

This legal change in 1967 set the stage for further rights for LGBTQ+ people. But progress was slow. There was still plenty of legally allowed discrimination and inequalities in the law.  

🏳️‍🌈 2001: Equal Age of Consent

This legal reform was another important step in the right direction, ending the discriminatory age of consent for same-sex relationships.  

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🏳️‍🌈2003: Section 28 is finally repealed

Introduced by Margaret Thatcher in 1988, this act stated schools should not intentionally promote homosexuality or the acceptability of homosexuality.

🏳️‍🌈2004: The Gender Recognition Act

This gave transgender people full legal recognition of their appropriate gender.

🏳️‍🌈 2014: Marriage Equality

The legalisation of same-sex marriage was momentous for many LGBTQ+ couples, allowing them to get the same legal recognition as their heterosexual counterparts.

Ongoing: Trans Rights

The current government has promised to review and possibly withdraw trans rights currently protected by the Gender Recognition Act.

It’s clear there’s still a need for the law to do more to help clarify rights and reflect and protect diverse identities.

As for us, JMC Recruitment stand proud with all LGBTQ+ people and promote a diverse and inclusive work environment for our staff and clients. You can find out more here.