The age of consent for gay people has at last been lowered to 16, as it is for heterosexuals, removing the last discriminatory legislation, bar fully equal marriage.
The age of consent for gay people has at last been lowered to 16, as it is for heterosexuals, removing the last discriminatory legislation, bar fully equal marriage.
If this was not done, the untenable situation would have arisen that a gay person would be allowed to marry if already 18 but not yet 19, but could be prosecuted with his or her spouse, under the Sexual Offences Act.
Regarding marriage, Home Affairs said the Civil Union Bill is an interim measure and the matter will be revisited next year. As long as the Marriage Act remains the exclusive domain of heterosexuals, discrimination exists.
Coenie Kukkuk, editor Gayspeak
Marriage act still favours heterosexuals
The age of consent for gay people has at last been lowered to 16, as it is for heterosexuals, removing the last discriminatory legislation, bar fully equal marriage.
The age of consent for gay people has at last been lowered to 16, as it is for heterosexuals, removing the last discriminatory legislation, bar fully equal marriage.
If this was not done, the untenable situation would have arisen that a gay person would be allowed to marry if already 18 but not yet 19, but could be prosecuted with his or her spouse, under the Sexual Offences Act.
Regarding marriage, Home Affairs said the Civil Union Bill is an interim measure and the matter will be revisited next year. As long as the Marriage Act remains the exclusive domain of heterosexuals, discrimination exists.
Coenie Kukkuk, editor Gayspeak
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