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The Isle of Man is a British Crown dependency in the British Isles. This page summarises LGBT rights in the Isle of Man.
The Isle of Man was once known to be rather homophobic, as sodomy laws existed until rather recently in 1994, although they have since been abolished. Prior to September 1992, sodomy was illegal, then after decrimilization of sodomy (after the royal assent), the age of consent was set at 21 (in line with the UK at that time); then in 1997, the age of consent for male homosexual acts was lowered to 18. In 2006, the age of consent was lowered to 16, became gender-neutral for all sexual conduct (including sodomy); regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation[1]. It is however an offence for anyone who is over the age of 18 to enter into a sexual relationship with someone aged 16 or 17 when in a position of trust over the young person. These provisions in law do not pose issue for LGBT rights.
[edit] Discrimination in the workplace
In 2005, the Isle of Man adopted legislation that outlawed the dismissal of employees on the grounds of their sexuality.[2] Isle of Man LGBT reports that the government at the time was "falling behind" in line with European Human Rights decisions.[3]
[edit] Recognising same-sex relationships
Today, there is still no system of recognising same-sex marriage. However, civil unions or other forms of partnerships from other countries are recognised.{{[4]}}
[edit] Adoption for people in same-sex relationships
Another topic that heated debate in Isle of Man was adoption for same-sex couples. The "Adoption (Same-Sex Couples) Bill 2008" will be introduced for a second reading into the House of Keys in April 2008.[citation needed]
[edit] Summary table
| Homosexuality legal |
 |
| Equal age of consent |
|
| Anti-discrimination laws in employment only |
|
| Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services |
|
| Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) |
|
| Recognition of same-sex couples |
 |
| Adoption by same-sex couples |
|
| Gays allowed to serve in the military |
|
| Right to change legal gender |
|
| Access to IVF for lesbians |
|
| MSMs allowed to donate blood |
|
[edit] References
[edit] See also
