Wolfenden Report

Definition of Wolfenden Report

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Wolfenden Report: A 1959 British report of the Departmental Committee on Homosexual Offenses and Prostitution (Chaired by Sir John Wolfenden). Its major recommendation was that sexual activity between consenting adults should no longer be a criminal offense. This report had influence in many western nations and in 1969, after Pierre Trudeau became Minister of Justice, Canada repealed sections of the criminal code that had made homosexual activity a criminal offense.

Wolfenden Report: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Wolfenden Report. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada