Demonstration Against the Age of Consent
Demonstration Against the Age of Consent
A colour video recording of an Outrage demonstration held in 1992 protesting the unequal age of consent laws affecting gay and bisexual men in the UK. The footage captures a lively street protest featuring a crowd of Lesbian and Gay activists. Some are dressed in leather jackets and jeans, carrying placards with slogans such as “I Am Not a Sex Criminal” and “Repeal Anti-Gay Laws.”
Among the demonstrators is a member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and activist Peter Tatchell is seen addressing the crowd via megaphone, announcing the march’s move toward Parliament Square for the planned “Drop Your Trousers for a Member of Parliament” action. The group proceeds through the streets to Parliament Square, where pop music plays as participants continue to chant and hold placards. Once assembled, several OutRage! members deliver speeches, while police officers are visible monitoring the scene.
A number of male demonstrators lower their trousers to reveal each letter of the phrase “Equality Now!” written on their boxers, visually expressing their defiance and demand for reform. Toward the end of the recording, participants are seen writing down personal confessions of underage sex and making further public statements reflecting on the criminalisation of gay men and the call for legal equality