HL Deb 16 December 1993 vol 550 cc140-1WA
Lord Gainford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

If they are considering the repeal of Section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 to decriminalise homosexual acts in the Merchant Navy.

The Earl of Caithness

Having consulted widely on this matter and considered all the factors involved we have decided that there is no continued justification for the retention of offences specific to the Merchant Navy. Section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 1967 will therefore be replaced when a suitable legislative opportunity occurs.