File of correspondence labelled “issues of conscience”. Topics of correspondence include: religious education policy, Jul-Sep 1982; SDP policy on the legalisation of cannabis, Feb-Mar 1982; the dangers of religious cults, including copy of letter from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Home Office David Mellor to David Owen discussing the issue, Nov Dec 1984; Clause 28 of the Local Government Bill ruling that local authorities should not “promote homosexuality”, Jan-Feb 1988; the legalisation of euthanasia, Aug-Oct 1989; ruling of the European Commission on Human Rights allowing transgender individuals “to marry in their new gender roles”, Aug 1989.

Also in file is letter to David Owen from President of the National Viewers' and Listeners' Association, Mary Whitehouse, asking for his and the SDP policy concerning the “permissive society”, with copy of David Owen's reply, Jul 1981.

Some material in this file includes outdated, offensive language and contentious views relating to the LGBTQ+ community. Please contact scastaff@liverpool.ac.uk for more information