Greece
- Statute: None
- Penalty:
- Restrictions: Gay male prostitution only remains
illegal.
Statute
From the International Lesbian and Gay
Association
Male homosexual conduct has been legal since 1951 (IOC)
"a) Criminal law There is one legal provision that specifically
discriminates against male homosexuals: Article 347 of the penal code which
provides for a higher age of consent of 17 for "seducing" a male
person if the partner is an adult (i.e., over 18) and which penalises the
abuse of a relationship of dependence of an employee without any age limit
(there is no corresponding heterosexual offence):
(1) Acts of lewdness against nature between males which involve the
abuse of a relationship of dependence created by employment, or which are
committed by an adult seducing a person below the age of 17, or which are
committed with the intention of profiteering, are punishable by at least 3
months’ imprisonment.
(2) The same sentence is applied to anyone practising acts of lewdness
of the kind referred to in Paragraph 1 as a profession.
The general age of consent for heterosexuals, lesbians and obviously also
for gay men if no "seduction" is involved is 15. The prohibition of
male-to-male prostitution, as stipulated in paragraph 2, is not a matter of
discrimination based on sexual orientation, but basically gender-specific
discrimination: male prostitution is illegal [in respect of the prostitute]. (Aris
Batsioulas in "Equality for Lesbians and Gay Men")
Until 1987 the age of consent was 16 for heterosexuals and lesbians, and 17
for gay men. Since then it has been 15 for people of all sexualities.(PB)
"Greece outlaws homosexual acts "for profit" or "as an
occupation" (Art. 347 CC: 3 months to 5 years imprisonment) and -
supplemental to the(uniform) age of consent of 15 (Art. 339 CC) -
"seduction" of a male under 17 years (Art. 347 CC: 3 months up to 5
years). (Graupner, H.(1997))
Under a law passed in 1981, on the pretext of protecting public health, the
police are empowered to forcibly require gay men to be tested for sexually
transmitted diseases. (PB)
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