Chemicals and electric shocks: Being a gay man before decriminalisation
Video report by ITV News Correspondent Paul Davies
A gay man has spoken of pain he suffered as a young boy when doctors gave him chemicals and electric shocks in attempt to 'cure' his sexuality.
Peter Donoghue, who grew up in Yorkshire, said the intervention came after his parents were contacted by his school to say he needed "medical help" because he was "playing more with the girls and dressing up".
Speaking to ITV News on the 50th anniversary of homosexual acts between men being decriminalised, Mr Donoghue said: "I still can remember just pain, in those days, and (being) very, very, very frightened of that pain.
"It was against the law, it was against God to be that way. We thought we were the devil's children.
"I remember the doctor chasing me round, putting his knee in my back and injecting me in the arm."
Before 1967, gay sex carried a maximum life sentence.
The Sexual Offences Act introduced that year legalised it for men over 21 but with heavy restrictions.
Scotland changed the law in 1980 and Northern Ireland two years later.
Traumatised by his childhood experiences, Peter learned to hide his sexuality. He married and had children but the marriage ended when he came out.
To be openly gay, Peter had to leave his home in Yorkshire and move to Blackpool where he found acceptance and people who have suffered similar experiences.
"People are accepting me for being just Peter, not for being gay Peter or queer Peter," he said.
He has been a leading campaigner for gay and minority rights. But 50 years after the laws were first changed he believes there is more to do.
"Are we there yet?" he was asked. "No, (we're about) a quarter of the way because there is still that stigma throughout the world," he replied.
"Another 50 years and it might be absolutely fine. Another 200 years you won't think about it and that'll be just OK to be who you are."