Colombia
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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
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Updated 99-10-03
Legal
Homosexuality is not mentioned in Colombian law, and in practice, it's legal. The age of consent is the same for everyone, set at 14. Colombia even has an openly gay governor, Gustavo Alvarez Gardeazabal of the province of Valle del Cauca. Colombia's Gay and Lesbian Information Network recently resumed its activities and are hoping to re-start their newsletter. In December 1998 a gay couple signed a joint-ownership contract (patrimonio comun), very similar to a regular marriage.
This is fine, but over the past few years, the attitude towards homosexuals in many South American countries has hardened. Some 40 groups in Colombia have been noted to engage in "social cleansing" activities, including the groups, "Death to Dangerous Homosexuals" and "Death to Homosexuals".
In 1999, a gay rights bill was proposed and sadly withdrawn, with some nasty statements to follow. Hopefully the bill will be reintroduced as soon as formally possible.
There are reports of gay
tourists being asked for proof of AIDS test upon entry to Colombia.
If you have any further
information on the current situation in Colombia, please contact
me.
| Age of consent | Male-Female | Male-Male | Female-Female |
| Colombia | 14 | 14 | 14 |
Further information on the situation in Colombia can be found at:
GADOS - Grupo de apoyo a la diversidad de orientaciones sexuales
| Statistics:
Republic,
S. America
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