Record

CodeDS/UK/13823
NameGore; Arthur (5 July 1910-23 February 1983); 8th Earl of Arran; British columnist and politician
Variations of NameArthur Kattendyke Strange David Archibald Gore
Dates5 July 1910-23 February 1983
GenderMale
Place of Birth/OriginBishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, England (born)
RelationshipsSon of Arthur Gore (6th Earl of Arran) and Maud Jacqueline Marie Beauclerk
Spouse of Fiona Bryde Colquhoun (speedboat racer, animal rights activist and daughter of Sir Iain Colquhoun)
BiographyArthur Gore, 8th Earl of Arran was a British columnist and politician who served as the Conservative whip in the House of Lords. He is known for leading the effort in the House of Lords to decriminalise male homosexuality in 1967, following the suicide of his gay brother.

Arran was the sponsor in the House of Lords of Labour MP Leo Abse's 1967 private member's bill which, as the Sexual Offences Act 1967, decriminalised homosexual acts between two consenting adult men. He was of the opinion that "no amount of legislation will prevent homosexuals from being the subject of dislike and derision, or at best of pity". He also sponsored a bill for the protection of badgers, and was once asked why this effort had failed whereas decriminalising homosexuality had succeeded. Arran is reported to have replied: "There are not many badgers in the House of Lords."

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