Regulation of sexuality: Age of consent, section 28 and sex education

Since the election of a Labour government, the UK has witnesses a series of protracted debates over the age of consent, Section 28 and sex education. These political conflicts over homosexuality and the regulation of young people's sexual behaviour are examined, with particular attention to the impact of lesbian, gay and bisexual campaigning activity and that of opposing moralist forces. There is a chronological account of public and parliamentary debates since 1997, together with a commentary on their implications for British politics. Themes examined include the significance of interest group activity, the policy agendas of political parties and the impact of constitutional reform. The article argues that struggles over homosexuality and young people's sexuality are entwined with wider transformations in contemporary British politics.