Comments on: UK will tell Gibraltar age of consent difference ‘breaches international law’

By: Spanner

Spanner — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:04:13 +0000

Thanks for the clarification, De Villiers.
I think the term “International” is a bit ambiguous as it gives the impression of a world-wide scope, when it is really just Europe.

I guess if Gib signed up, then they are going to have to do as they’re told then.

By: de Villiers

de Villiers — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:11:57 +0000

The ECHR (European Convention of Human Rights) is unconnected with the EU (European Union) and the EU European Court of Justice. It is the Convention of the Council of Europe, of which Gibraltar is a signatory, and which has its own court called the European Court of Human RIghts,

Gibraltar being a member of the Council of Europe, it has undertaken to comply with the Convention and the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.

By: Spanner

Spanner — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:23:01 +0000

What is all this “International Law”? Where did this come up? Surely if there is such a thing, there are many countries that would be breaking laws. (Saudi Arabia is one that springs to mind)

As for the ECHR, I’m pretty sure Gibraltar isn’t part of the EU.
(I’m not condoning Gibraltar’s laws, I just think our government might be on a rather sticky legal wicket here.)

By: niall

niall — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:41:19 +0000

This is a ROCK with MONKEYS on it…
Looks like the MONKEYS are in parliment too ?
Throw them a BANANA !!!

By: de Villiers

de Villiers — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:11:02 +0000

It is discriminatory insofar as it is a measure that has a disproportionately adverse affect on people who are gay.

By: andy

andy — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:35:51 +0000

Mark, it is an isthmus, not an island. You also mis-spelt it. Although little, it is not a dump. I will go with backward though.

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:29:10 +0000

Gibralta is a backward little dump of an island in every respect!

By: MartinM

MartinM — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 09:32:28 +0000

Gibraltar must be given a deadline by which to have equalised the age of consent.

If they have not done so by that date, then Gibraltar should be handed over to Spanish sovereignty, immediately.

If the people of Gibraltar refuse to treat their LGBT population equally then why on EARTH should Britain stay involved with them?

And remembr that Spain offers full legal equality to LGBT citizens.

The LGBT population will be far better off under Spanish rule than British rule.

By: SamB

SamB — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:54:52 +0000

Gibraltar and other British Overseas Terrories should get their act together. There are no logical reasons to uphold a discriminatory laws when it comes to age of consent.

By: ZoeK

ZoeK — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:52:16 +0000

The second leading cause of death for women is pregnancy.
Being pregnant while a teenager especially, and since the age of consent for heterosexual intercourse is 16… yup, teenagers getting knocked up potentially!
Also, pregnant women are more likely to be homicide victims.
Gibraltar really needs to get better excuses, since that is all these are, for having a difference in age between straight and gay sex. Or perhaps man up and change it to be equal (but something tells me they’ll try making up more excuses first).

By: Matthew Sephton

Matthew Sephton — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 13:52:14 +0000

Great to see the new Government beginning to put its money where its mouth is on these issues so quickly! A very positive step forward!

By: Skorrdal

Skorrdal — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 06:32:05 +0000

Thanks, Mr. Mitchell, for the clarification. But it still makes no sense…

By: Gay activist Paul Mitchell

Gay activist Paul Mitchell — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 04:20:34 +0000

Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Gunersey (since March 2010), Jersey, Isle of Man and Ireland all now have an equal age of consent set at 16 – for all individuals (regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation).

Just 2 UK territories of both Gibralter and Bermuda still have an unequal age of consent set at 18 for gay men – 16 for heterosexuals and lesbians.

In Gibralter anal sex is illegal between a man and a woman (but legal between a man and a man), but in Bermuda it is legal regardless of gender.

Hope that clears the law up and makes sence.

By: Gay activist Paul Mitchell

Gay activist Paul Mitchell — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 04:14:11 +0000

Bermuda also has an unequal AOC for gay men as well set at 18 since 1994. Anal sex among heterosexuals is legal at 18 – 16 for vaginal sex.

This is also in breach of international law and human rights obligations.

By: Brenda Lana Smith R af D

Brenda Lana Smith R af D — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:21:26 +0000

Again more talk and no action… the UK Government should quit telling and forcibly tackle the abysmal ongoing lack of LGBTQI human rights on all its own seemingly deaf-eared homo- trans-phobic British Overseas Territories…