What did playwright, Oscar Wilde, go to prison for on May 25, 1895?

Playwright Oscar Wilde was convicted of sodomy on May 25, 1895. The famed writer of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest brought attention to his private life in a feud with Sir John Sholto Douglas, whose son was intimately involved with Wilde.

Homosexuality was a criminal offense and serious societal taboo at this time in Britain. Wilde had gone back and forth between hiding his sexual orientation and attempting to gain some measure of public acceptance. After Douglas, began spouting his objections to Wilde’s behavior to the public, Wilde felt compelled to sue him for libel.

Wilde served his two years and then spent the last three years of his life in exile. He died at the age of 45.

More Info: www.history.com

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38 Comments

ninakamwene

Got it. Poor Man, he should have been born now. RIP.

Chris Dewen

It goes with blinkered ignorance, Daniel.

littledick

Of course, I assume the son of a "sir" was not charged. Was the intimate act consensual? I can't imagine Wilde forcing himself on anyone. And if the medievally religious right out there claim that according to Leviticus, such an act warranted the death penalty, so did picking up sticks on the Sabbath and taking the Lord's name in vain. If that entire code would be adhered to, probably 90% of the American population would be executed!

Lydia Coutts

The only crime was how Wilde and countless others (including Alan Turing) were treated simply because of who they were. Wilde wasn’t just imprisoned; he was sentenced to two years’ hard labour, which was the maximum permitted. It’s no wonder he died so tragically young. What a senseless loss. It would help all humanity if we could learn from our ancestors’ egregious mistakes. But unfortunately there will always be morons intent on taking us back to the dark ages. The sort of idiots who consider the word ‘progressive’ an insult. 🙄

Kenneth Stevens

So you think homosexuals should be imprisoned?

Val Wilkinson

HOW DARE YOU SUGGEST THAT, JIM REDDEN! Great Britain is so much richer for a wider acceptance of sexual preferences, gender alignment, religious beliefs and of course race. I wish the US had the same level of acceptance in these key areas. Any failings of this country are due to determined unpicking in many areas by right wing politicians, and for not following the wisdom of investing in the country from 2010 as the Obama regime wisely did to repair the nation. I really wish the US all the best with your new president, but I am very fearful for your country.

Val Wilkinson

Daniel Halley Aha, another ignorant right-wing yank?

Brendan Grainger

Amazing writer and colourful character. He would have felt quite at home in the 21st Century.

stellaclaude

Yes, and if the Republicans had their way, we’d all be going back to the dark ages!

Hilary Sykes

It didn't insinuate that homosexuals should go to prison, it merely asked what Oscar Wilde was imprisoned for - and that is the answer; doesn't mean we agree with it!

Spencer

Spg and Steve both wrote a loving tribute to this man on their blog. Its amazing how things have changed. Now we have two for our writers in their 60's boldly coming out of the closet and getting married before their native British friends, family and neighbours. Its nice to live in a world where people can be themselves.