Living a Life of Crime: The Ongoing Criminalisation of Homosexuality within the Commonwealth

6 Pages Posted: 21 Jul 2014 Last revised: 29 Jul 2014

See all articles by Paula Gerber

Paula Gerber

Monash University - Faculty of Law

Date Written: July 21, 2014

Abstract

Forty-two of the 53 countries that comprise the Commonwealth of Nations still criminalise homosexuality. Men, and in some countries, women can be imprisoned and, in the case of men, even sentenced to death for engaging in same-sex sexual conduct between consenting adults. After analysing the situation in Commonwealth countries in different geographic regions, this article concludes that the Commonwealth is unlikely to be able to persuade its member nations that they should repeal such laws. However, there are roles that the United Nations and global civil society can play in helping to transform these 42 countries into nations that value diversity and respect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Keywords: Commonwealth, LGBT, LGBTI, Homosexuality, Human rights

JEL Classification: K10, K14, J71, K42

Suggested Citation

Gerber, Paula, Living a Life of Crime: The Ongoing Criminalisation of Homosexuality within the Commonwealth (July 21, 2014). (2014) 39(2) Alternative Law Journal 78, Monash University Faculty of Law Legal Studies Research Paper No. 2013/63, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2468967

Paula Gerber (Contact Author)

Monash University - Faculty of Law ( email )

Wellington Road
Clayton, Victoria 3800
Australia

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