Abstract: An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having a forward connecting section for connection with a complementary electrical connector in a mating direction. A pair of latch members extend in the mating direction along respective sides of the connecting section and each member includes a fixed end mounted in the housing and a free end engageable with an appropriate latch on the complementary electrical connector. The latch members are pivotally movable about the fixed ends from latch positions in latching engagement with the latch on the complementary electrical connector to release positions disconnected from the complementary connector. An actuator is pivotally mounted on the housing for pivotal movement from an inoperative position to an actuating position about an axis extending generally transverse to the mating direction. The actuator includes a cam engageable with the latch members for simultaneously moving the latch members from their latch positions to their release positions.