/ 14 October 1999

GAY AGE OF CONSENT TO BE LOWERED?

THE Law Commission is currently consulting widely on its proposal to lower the age of consent for sex between males from 19 years to 16 years. Justice Minister Penuell Maduna said in a written reply to parliament on Monday that he hopes to introduce the new legislation early next year. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance said a lower age of consent is one of eight concerns listed on a GLA memorandum forwarded to the Office of the President. The alliance said it is also concerned about issues surrounding homophobic hate language, gay and lesbian marriages and equal opportunities for adoption by gay couples.