Human Rights and the Criminalisation of Consensual Same-Sex Sexual Acts in the Commonwealth, South and Southeast Asia

Working Paper | May 2008 | Sumit Baudh

This working paper draws attention to the criminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual acts in South and Southeast Asia and the possible role the Commonwealth and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom can play in undoing the criminalisation.

The paper has been presented in its draft versions at the International Conference on LGBT Human Rights, 1st Asia Pacific Outgames, Melbourne, 30 – 31 Jan 2008; Equality in Diversity Now, 3rd ILGA-Asia Regional Conference, Chiangmai, Thailand, 24 – 27 Jan 2008; and the 4th Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights, Hyderabad, India, 30 Oct 2007. Click here for author's speech recorded at the ILGA-Asia Conference and downloaded from ISIS International - Manila.

Regional Consultation: Sexuality Matters 

In September 2004, the South and Southeast Asia Resource Centre brought together 26 participants from ten countries to discuss key regional sexuality issues at a consultation in Bali, Indonesia. 

Participants were drawn from a range of backgrounds, including activists, advocates, donors, reproductive health service providers, lawyers and journalists. Discussions were stimulated by short 'trigger presentations' designed to encourage debate around key themes. 

The report of the Consultation summarises discussions on the key themes and looks at strategies for those working in the field of sexuality. The discussions are the views of individuals and are not necessarily representative of their organisations or countries. 

The report also provides background information on key issues in the countries from which participants at the meeting came.