The story of James Pratt and John Smith, the last men to be hanged in Britain for homosexuality, is a somber reminder of a not-so-distant past where love could lead to the gallows. Their execution in 1835 marked the end of a horrifying era of judicial killings for gay men, a practice that England, shamefully, clung to longer than any other European nation.
This historical narrative, brought to light in a new podcast series by the Daily Mail, hosted by the gay Labour MP Chris Bryant, seeks not only to memorialize Pratt and Smith but also to examine the societal and legal constructs that led to their deaths. Through detailed research, including court records and workhouse registers, Bryant aims to stir the hearts of listeners by exposing the prejudice and judicial murder that took place.
The Journey Towards Justice
England’s grim record stands in stark contrast to its European neighbors, with the last execution for homosexuality in Germany recorded in 1537, Spain in 1647, and France 103 years later. Between 1806 and 1835, 404 men were sentenced to death in England for gay sex acts, a stark reminder of the brutal enforcement of laws against homosexuality.
The posthumous pardoning of Pratt and Smith, along with many others criminalized by anti-gay laws, under “Turing’s Law” in 2016 was a significant step toward righting these historical wrongs. This act of clemency, though symbolic, represents a broader societal shift towards equality and acceptance, underlining the importance of acknowledging and correcting the injustices of the past.
A Reflection on Equality and Progress
The podcast series not only serves as a historical account but also as a poignant reminder of the progress still needed in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. As Stonewall spokesperson highlighted, such gestures of pardon and acknowledgment are vital for the strength and unity of the LGBTQ+ community, embedding equality deeper into the fabric of law and society.
In presenting this tragic story with empathy and insight, Bryant and the Daily Mail challenge listeners to reflect on the journey from persecution to acceptance. It underscores the importance of remembering the past, not just for its horrors, but for the lessons it teaches us about compassion, justice, and the ongoing struggle for equality.