History & Archaeological Lecture Series: Dr. Amy Milne-Smith - Victorian Sex Scandals: Challenging the "love that dare not speak its name"

Join Dr. Amy Milne-Smith, Professor, Department of History, Wilfrid Laurier University for their lecture, "Victorian Sex Scandals." Please register. Victorian Sex Scandals: Challenging the "love that dare not speak its name": In 1885, the Criminal Law Amendment Act in Britain targeted several "unacceptable" sexual behaviours. The Labouchere Amendment was a tack-on to the bill, specifically outlawing acts of "gross indecency" between men. There was a long history proscribing certain kinds of sexual acts in Britain, but this broad new piece of legislation, colloquially dubbed the "blackmailer's law," was the first to target sexual identity rather than sexual acts. This talk will explore the two high-society scandals that put this law to the test. The Cleveland Street scandal and the trials of Oscar Wilde both brought sexual issues into the public view and demonstrates the enormous public interest in what went on beyond closed doors. By participating in this program, you acknowledge and accept the Guelph Public Library's Code of Conduct. Alternative formats are available as per the Accessibility per Ontarians Act by contacting Library Communications at 519-824-6220. Accessible programs and events Sensory kits are available by request at all library programs. Please let us know a few days before a program if you need any accessibility accommodations so we can plan for you. For sign language interpreters we ask for a minimum of two weeks' notice. When registering for a program with a support person, please include them as an additional guest.