On the fortieth anniversary of the judgement being delivered in Dudgeon v the United Kingdom, Ulster Unionist Party Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“The 22nd October 2021 marks forty years since the judgement was delivered in Dudgeon v the United Kingdom. The landmark ruling saw homosexuality decriminalised in Northern Ireland a year later.

“The courage of Jeff Dudgeon in taking this case cannot be overestimated. It was a hostile time and he received death threats, his home was attacked and he was questioned by the police.  It was not the easy road, but he knew it was the right one.  

“The case was not just significant in Northern Ireland. The case law cleared the way for decriminalisation to be successfully argued in courts across the world.  It was a history changing moment and impacted on the lives of thousands of people who owe Jeff a huge debt of gratitude. 

“Jeff is a true hero of human rights and equality. It is an honour to have him as an Ulster Unionist colleague and as a friend.”