Australia

www.ausflag.com.au

 

Disclaimer: This information on the situation of homosexuals all over the world may not be completely accurate or up-to-date. The information is gathered on the Internet and in other publications. If you have any additional information, corrections, comments or suggestions, don't hesitate to contact me at  <never@heterosexual.com>

Updated 99-02-14

On May 1, 1997 the supreme court of the state of Tasmania ruled that the law against gay relations were in breach with the Australian constitution.
Until then, Australia had violated its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
 
Welcome to the 20th. century, Australia! Now, Tasmania has turned completely, so that in December of '98, the state parliament voted to ban discrimination, incitement of
hatred and severe ridicule based on sexual orientation.

However, there is still the discrepancy between the ages of consent for heterosexual and gay relations in the states of New South Wales, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. Gay men in Western Australia under the age of 21 face up to five years in jail. Any man over 21 having sex with a 20 year old man may be branded as a pedophile. A campaign to repeal the discriminatory laws of WA was started in December '98.
 
If you have any further information on the situation in Australia as well as its island territories, please contact me.
 

Further information on the situation in Australia can be found at:

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