The Labouchère Amendment mentions that “[a]ny male person who in public or private commits or is a party to the commission of or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any male person of any act of gross indecency with another male person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor…” (Sexology Handout). If this is the status quo of law at the time, then it is worth noting that Basil’s admiration toward Dorian puts him in situation where he could be charged for said crime. His commission of Basil to model for his artwork may seem like artistic interest at first. However, it is at first hinted, and then revealed that Basil had ulterior motives for his artwork. He confesses to Dorian: “I wanted to have you all to myself. I was only happy when I was with you. When I was away from you, you were still present in my art. It was all wrong and foolish. It is all wrong and foolish still. Of course I never let you know anything about this. It would have been impossible.” (79). The best pieces of Basil’s artwork are driven by his passion for Dorian. He redirects his sexual desire for the youth through artistic expression. While this is within the legal guidelines of the written laws of the time, it could be argued that Basil’s actions are that of gross indecency. This would especially be the case should his feelings for Dorian come to light. That is why he refused to have the artwork shown at first. He tells Dorian, “I grew afraid that the world would know of my idolatry. I felt, Dorian, that I had told too much” (79). It is clear that Basil is trying to appease his passions at his own risk. Even though he is aware of it, emotions can cause people to disregard their own well-being for the satisfaction of their passion.
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