A DECISION on lowering the age of gay consent should be made within three months. Following questions in the House in March about the issue’s progress, a decision has been made to bring it to the States separately from sexual offenders’ legislation.
Currently, gay males cannot legally have sex until they are 18, but the age for heterosexuals is 16.
It is an issue that is likely to cause heated debate.
‘Initially, the thinking was that it needed to be part of a series of measures linked to this area,’ said Home minister Geoff Mahy.
‘But it now looks as if it would be possible to bring it as a separate issue and the Home Department has agreed that it will bring it to the States at the earliest possible opportunity, probably within the next three months.’
Everybody would view these sort of issues according to the way they thought and lived their life, said Deputy Mahy.
‘I believe Guernsey needs to be in line with all surrounding jurisdictions and that is why the board is supportive,’ he said.
Deputy Jean Pritchard promoted the issue in the House when it was discussed at its March meeting.
‘It makes absolute sense and I think it demonstrates that, when these questions are asked in the public arena, within the House, things move forward,’ she said.
‘It’s highly important that we eliminate the discrimination between heterosexuals and homosexuals because it’s very difficult to face these judgemental attitudes if you are gay.’
Article posted on 5th May, 2007 - 12.00am
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