Former Labour MP Abse dies aged 91

1:29pm Wednesday 20th August 2008

Gay rights champion Leo Abse has died at the age of 91, a family friend said.

The former Labour MP died at Charing Cross Hospital, west London, on Tuesday night after a short illness.

Mr Abse guided a Private Member's Bill through Parliament in 1967 that legalised sex between men.

The Welshman was also credited with helping to liberalise divorce laws through the 1969 Divorce Reform Act.

Mr Abse, who was in the Commons for nearly 30 years as MP for Pontypool and then Torfaen, is survived by his second wife Ania.

Wales Secretary Paul Murphy paid tribute to Mr Abse, saying he was "deeply sad" at the news.

"He was a very distinguished parliamentarian and social reformer who has left an indelible mark on his country. The lives of millions of people over the years have been improved because of his social reforms," he said.

A solicitor by profession, Mr Abse became a flamboyant figure in Westminster, renowned for his dandyish attire.

He was born in Cardiff, the grandson of Jewish immigrants, and from an early age cultivated a reputation as a troublemaker.

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock and his wife Glenys added their voices to the tributes, describing Mr Abse as "courageous, highly principled, very funny and totally unique".