Kenneth Walker (1882–1966), Chairman of the Homosexual Law Reform Society, and Evolving Attitudes to Male Homosexuality in Britain

The Homosexual Law Reform Society was established in 1958, when it became clear that the relatively progressive proposals contained in the "Wolfenden Report" into male homosexuality would not be actioned by the Conservative government. The choice of surgeon and sexologist Kenneth Walker to chair the society reflected his standing in medical and intellectual circles as someone working toward a "stable and liberal society." In the preceding 30 years, Walker had counseled and "treated" many homosexual men seeking help and written and broadcasted on the matter for his profession and the laity. The content of this work reflected evolving scientific views as to the etiology and, therefore, potential treatment of homosexuality, which became less important as the permanence of a section of society that would seek same sex relationships became accepted, and attention instead shifted toward their assimilation. Walker was consistent in condemning the illegality of male homosexual acts and, whilst he died a year before the law was amended, was conscious that, as a result of his efforts and those of others, change was imminent.