Acknowledgements
Executive Summary
Introduction
The Research Process
NSW Age of Consent legislation
Homosexual Age of Consent in Australia
Homosexual Age of Consent worldwide
Primary arguments against equalisation
Primary arguments in favour of equalisation
Professional organisations positions
Material from Australian Royal Commissions
and Government
Enquiries
Conclusions
Bibliography
Thematic list of references
MAJOR REPORT - 2001 |
 
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THE AGE OF CONSENT
AND GAY MEN IN NEW SOUTH WALES
Introduction
This report was commissioned by the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby Inc. and evaluates the proposal that the age of consent for young gay males in NSW be equalised with the age of consent currently operative for lesbians and all heterosexuals. For support it draws firstly on a substantial review of the psycho-social literature which deals with the many issues germane to the discussion of a suitable age of consent for young gay males.
Secondly, it draws upon qualitative empirical data gained from focus group research with young gay men in Sydney and from in-depth interviews with the health, welfare and counselling professionals who provide services to this population. The report also takes into consideration social justice arguments. The paper is comprised of 8 main sections:
Section One details the research methodology employed in this study;
Section Two sets out relevant NSW age of consent legislation;
Section Three compares age of consent provisions across Australian jurisdictions;
Section Four examines homosexual age of consent around the world;
Section Five investigates the veracity of claims that equalisation of the age of consent will have several negative social effects - scrutinising each of these claims in the light of current empirical research;
Section Six, in like manner, examines the principal arguments in favour of equalisation;
Section Seven presents Australian Royal Commission findings and recommendations pertinent to this debate; and
Section Eight lists public statements of domestic and international professional organisations directly relating to the homosexual age of consent.