ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key points discussed in this book. The book examines the relationship between law, religion and homosexuality in the United Kingdom. The once settled understanding of the relationship between law, religion and homosexuality amongst legislators that is exemplified in the speech by Lord Denning quoted above where law is regarded as the vehicle to give direct expression to the religious condemnation of same-sex sexual acts no longer holds. The book demonstrates how religion has shaped, and continues to shape, legislation that regulates the lives of gay men and lesbians. The focus of this study is on the role of religious discourse in the production of statute law. Parliamentary debates serve as important platforms from which public opinion on key social issues is both shaped and reflected. The key concern in this book is to consider the extent to which religious morality continues to exercise authority in lawmaking.
