The law was also abundantly clear on homosexual relationships. The act of sodomy had been illegal since 1535, and the law was re-enacted and strengthened in 1828. Yet attitudes towards same-sex relationships were to change as Victoria’s reign progressed. Male homosexual behaviour simultaneously became more visible, as policing became more widespread and effective, and as the national press grew and became more salacious. In short, more cases were tried and more people heard about them.
