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1902 in LGBT Rights

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In 1902, there were 3 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were changes made and 4 in the following year. A total of 16 legal changes were made in the 1900s.

  • May 1
    Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female legal.
    The 1902 Criminal Code criminalised “indecent practices between males” with up to three years in prison in Western Australia. The 1913 Criminal Code of Western Australia came into effect in 1914 and criminalised sodomy. It is currently unknown what the penalty was. Lesbianism remained legal however.
  • (date unknown)
    Equal age of consent becomes n/a.
    Not applicable since same-sex sexual relationships are illegal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    Homosexuality was first criminalised in Uganda in 1902 when it became a British protectorate and inherited the nation’s anti-gay laws. Section 145 of the penal code in 1950 indicates any carnal knowledge against nature is punishable for 7 years to life in prison.