Gay rights groups remember Ogg as a ‘principled advocate’
● Campaigner and lawyer, 65, was a ‘champion of human rights’
Gay and human rights groups have paid tribute to “passionate and principled” advocate Derek Ogg QC, who was found dead at his home in Glasgow at the weekend.
Prominent LBGTI campaigner Mr Ogg, who worked to decriminalise sex between men and to remove discrimination from the law, was involved in a number of rights organisations. He also led the fight for a pardon for men who were convicted of sexual offences in Scotland which were no longer illegal.
The 65-year-old was found dead at his home in Rawcliffe Gardens, Langside, on Friday evening. There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances and his family have been made aware.
During his lengthy legal career he was appointed assistant principal advocate depute, one of the most senior positions in the Crown Office. He later became a defence lawyer and represented clients in a number of high-profile cases, while also acting as a legal commentator on current affairs programmes.
A statement from the Equality Network, which presented him with a Lifetime Achievement award in honour of his contributions in 2015, said: “Throughout his life Derek was a passionate and principled advocate for equality and justice. We owe Derek so much and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”
HIV charity Waverley Care said: “Derek was a HIV activist, founder of Scottish Aids Monitor and contributor to our work, helping establish Milestone. We stand on the shoulders of Derek’s efforts today.”
Mr Ogg’s activism began in the Scottish Minorities Group (SMG) in the early 1970s. SMG was Scotland’s first gay rights organisation, founded in 1969 – it later became the Scottish Homosexual Rights Group (SHRG), and later still, Outright Scotland.
In SMG, Mr Ogg was one of the organisers of the first International Gay Rights Congress, held in Edinburgh in 1974.
A statement from human rights organisation Justice, of which Mr Ogg was chair of the Scottish arm from 2016 to 2017, said: “We are desperately sad to hear of the passing of Derek Ogg QC. Derek was a committed champion of human rights and access to justice for all.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she would “miss his wisdom and good sense”.