Sodomy In Australia

Same-sex marriage or more formally known as gay marriage, is the marriage between two people of the same sex. In Australia it’s illegal, marriage in Australia is “the voluntary union, entered into for life, of one man and one women to the exclusion of all others” (Marriage Act 1961). In some states in the USA it is legal for example Colorado, California and New York. In Australia same-sex couples have no access to marriage, civil unions or other federal relationship registration. Same sex couples can be recognised as de facto couples. Same-sex couples are prevented from marrying by the amendments to the Marriage Act 1961, passed in 2004 by the Howard Government, Labor party. However same-sex couples who are married in countries where same-sex is legal cannot divorce within Australia due to the same-sex marriage ban. At the federal level, in 2008 and 2009, there was a wide-ranging suite of reforms to provide equal entitlements and responsibilities for same-sex couples, This includes social security, employment, taxation and superannuation. Tony Abbott has traditionally opposed same-sex marriage, and in 2012 parliament had debates on the same-sex marriage bills, in the election campaign, Abbott reaffirmed that he would not support legislation to allow gay marraige.

Sexual orientation has also caused considerable bias. Homosexuality was listed in the DSM as a mental disorder up until 1974. Even law had identified homosexual behavior as criminal; for instance, sodomy laws. Although homosexuality is no longer listed in the DSM, therapists still have the option of considering homosexual behavior as a sexual disorder not otherwise specified. The ability to still classify homosexuality as a

For Australian law to be effective it must be dynamic so it can reflect changing societal views, which law reform can help attain. A significant area of recent social change is the acceptance of same-sex relationships in Australian society. To mirror this, current law reforms have been somewhat effective in achieving just outcomes regarding the recognition of same-sex relationships in Commonwealth law. The combination of official recognition of same-sex relationships to an extent, attempts at removing discrimination in legislation, and the delay of justice denotes this. Considering the achievement of justice and the protection of individual’s rights, it is evident that law reform has significantly improved recognition of same-sex relationships, but there are more essential responses that need to be enacted.

The year 1970, When two men tried to get married the university denied them because they were the same-sex. It was illegal to have same-sex sex at around 1969 which is unfair to all same-sex couples. All the gay people wanted was to be treated fairly, just as the straights do. And with complete honesty they didn’t want marriage specifically, they just wanted the rights. On June 26, 2015, the U.S supreme court ruled, that gay marriage is a right protected by the U.S constitution in all 50 states. On May 18, 1970, two university men applied for a marriage license, but they were denied because they were the same-sex. On June 26,2003, they banned people for being gay (same-sex) adults, They made it illegal. On July 1989, Court

Equity and respect for others are two of the main values that are instantly presented to the audience. Wong makes it clear that they are two beliefs of hers that are not displayed frequently enough in Parliament, as if same sex couples were in a world where they were treated with a sense of egalitarianism and respect, then gay marriage would be unquestionably legalized. Improvement is also a prominent theme displayed by the author, who utilizes quotes such as ‘marriage equality is both necessary and overdue’ (Wong, 2016) and ‘gay and lesbian Australians can vote, serve in the military, represent our country on the sporting field, teach in our universities, preside as judges, staff our hospitals, and be a member of the federal cabinet. Yet we cannot marry the person we love’. (Wong, 2016) These two quotations are clear demonstrations of the author’s conviction that Australia can be undoubtedly improved with the introduction of new laws that allow citizens of all sexualities to

It is interesting to note that according to the American Psychiatric Association, up until 1974 homosexuality was considered a mental illness. There was no scientific breakthrough or any new information that would allow for this change of status. Simply, “The APA claimed that they made the change because new research showed that most homosexual people were content with their sexual orientation, and that as a group, they appeared to be as well-adjusted as heterosexual people”. The decision to remove homosexually as a mental illness was done by trustee, and the decision was confirmed by a vote. I do not believe that homosexually is a mental illness, however, homosexually was never validated or invalidated by science, so I am surprised to learn that it was even considered a mental

First, we have to take a quick step into the history of LGBT and we as a society have to recognize that we use to consider people to have a mental disorder if they were homosexual. It wasn’t until American Psychologist Evelyn Hooker and her series that showed that there was no evidence to support the statement that homosexuality is a mental illness. Although she started her test all on her own, in 1954, she would apply for a grant from the NIHM (National Institute of Mental

Back in this time many Australians weren’t aware of the fight for same sex marriage and many strongly disagreed. However, now that America has passed the legislation in support of gay marriage, Australians now see this as a more achievable

In the 1960s, the American Psychiatric Association described homosexuality as a mental disorder, such as illness, other than it was morally condemned by all world religions. Homosexual relationships, even made in the privacy of the home, were punishable

Only recently, the Australian Government introduced reforms to de-facto relationships. This meant that same-sex couples are entitled to the same benefits and subject to the same obligations as opposite-sex couples (Property Relationships Act 1984 NSW). The legislation of Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws- General Law Reform) Act 2008 removed discriminatory treatment of same-sex couples. These acts included laws about tax, superannuation, Medicare, workers compensations, employment entitlements and family law. Homosexuals are discriminated against in terms of marriage, donating blood and are also victims to abuse due to their status. A study conducted by the Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby revealed that 84% of participants aged between 14 and 21 had been treated unfairly because of their sexuality and almost half had suffered verbal or physical abuse. With these inequalities present, it is difficult to achieve equality and fairness around this group. Although Australia proposes the ideal of egalitarianism, it is hard to justify whether it is present or not.

Another type of family in which the Australian legal system has been effective in is dealing with Same Sex Relationships. However there has been a slight degree of ineffectiveness in this issue with same sex relationships finding it extremely difficult in the past in order to obtain the same rights as married couples or even De Facto couples, thus one can interpret that in the case of Same Sex Relationship Justice is delayed thus the justice is denied. Same Sex Couples it seems are unable to ever achieve the rights and be recognised through marriage as the Marriage Act 1961 specifically states that marriage is between a man and a woman and in order for Same Sex couples to be able to marry a new law must be passed as well as that section of the marriage act be amended. However all states and territories in Australia recognise Same Sex

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, LGBT people were vastly discriminated against. For many years, homosexuality was criminalized and during this time, Britain possessed an enormous amount of power over Canadian policy. Due to this, it was extremely difficult for Canada to change its policy regarding gay culture as Britain wouldn’t see to it. For countless years, homosexuality in

The law regulating same-sex marriages continues to change, in order to better reflect the community 's opinions and expectations. Within the last decade, Australia has seen substantial changes in the legal recognition of same-sex relationships. This increase in legal recognition is primarily aimed at removal of institutionalized discrimination, as well as providing adequate legal protection of same-sex couples has arisen due to the wide spread changes of opinions about same-sex relationships within society.

Willett argues that the world view has changed, with the help of so many activists, bringing about fundamental changes in society’s attitudes. Willett talks about the changes made up until 1997, however since then attitudes and legislation relating to homosexual people has become even more understanding and tolerant. In the early 20th century, gay and lesbian people were marginalised to the point of invisibility and demonization . He argues that before 1975, homosexual laws were some of the harshest laws that the government introduced. This was because there was a general sense of homophobia after the 1960’s, calling homosexual behaviour, sexual depravity. He cites Barry York demanding conjugal rights for prisoners to prevent prisons from being “breeding grounds” for homosexuality . He also draws on the homosexual attitudes in the paper, such as the Tribune in 1973 which states how John Sendy wanted the government “to oppose gay liberation”. However, Willett also uses evidence of people trying to change this law and fight for gay rights, such as Whitlam in 1970, who expressed support for decriminalisation of homosexual acts, and how in 1972, Lex Watson set out law reform abolishing all laws regarding discrimination against gay couples and sexual orientation, race and marriage status. He demanded public education campaign in schools to eradicate anti-gay attitudes. Willett suggests these actions helped to reshape Australian society creating more understanding. By 1997 there was wider public acceptance and tolerance of homosexual people, with Mardi Gras parade being popularised, the decriminalisation of male homosexual behaviour, acceptance of lesbians and the recognition of gay custody rights in families and much stronger anti-discrimination laws, all creating a powerful sense

“Five rugby league players have consequently been charged with raping and sexually assaulting a mildly disabled 18-year-old woman at a sevens tournament,” none of them faced charges. (English, 2004). Apparently, "Some of the boys love a bun. Gang-banging is nothing new for our club or the rugby league," reported a player from the Canterbury Bulldogs, an Australian Rugby league team (English, 2004). The frequency of rape allegations and the lack of consequence for athletes is reflected in Australian culture.