Alan Shea & husband to be guests of honour, 30 years since Tynwald Day gay rights protest

It's nearly 30 years since a petition was presented to Tynwald calling for the legalisation of homosexuality on the Isle of Man.

The campaign was led by local gay rights campaigner, Alan Shea and supported by a pressure group from the UK.

Despite opposition, the landmark protest on Tynwald Day 1991, eventually led to a change in law the following year.

Homosexual acts were decriminalised in 1992, 25 years later than in England and Wales.

Last year, Chief Minister Howard Quayle issued an "unqualified apology" to gay men convicted of same-sex offences under previous Manx laws.

To mark the anniversary of the Tynwald protest, Alan Shea and his husband, Stephen Moore will be guests of honour at this year’s ceremony.