Homophobia in Paradise
In a decision that has shocked Australia’s gay community, a Victorian man has been sentenced to 2 years in prison in Fiji for having consensual sex with another man. Thomas Maxwell McCoskar and his co-accused, Fijian Dhirendra Nadan both pleaded for leniency—but the Fijian magistrate described the acts as “something so disgusting that it would make any decent person vomit”. David Scamell from the Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby explained the background to the case and says it serves as a real wake up call for anyone travelling overseas. The Wire contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs, who confirmed that a consular official has spoken to Mr McCoskar, and they will continue to monitor the case. But they did stress that Australians residing or travelling overseas are subject to the jurisdiction of the country they’re in, and should be advised that activities which may be legal in Australia may be illegal in other countries.