homosexuality

Sexual preference for, or attraction to, persons of one's own sex; in women it is referred to as lesbianism.

Both sexes use the term ‘gay’. Men and women who are attracted to both sexes are referred to as bisexual. The extent to which homosexual behaviour is caused by biological or psychological factors is an area of disagreement among experts.

Although some ancient civilizations (notably ancient Greece and Confucian China) accepted homosexuality, other societies have punished homosexual acts. In 12th-century Europe sodomy was punishable by burning and since then homosexuals have suffered varying degrees of prejudice and prosecution. In the latter half of the 20th century discrimination against homosexuals has decreased as a result of pressure from campaigners (see gay rights movement).

Laws relating to homosexuality and the age of consent differ from country to country. In some countries homosexual acts are illegal. In European Union (EU) countries homosexuality between consenting adults is legal. The first legally recognized homosexual marriages occurred in the Netherlands in April 2001. Belgium, Spain, and Canada followed in the early 2000s.

In 1994 the ‘don't ask, don't tell’ policy modified an unqualified ban on homosexuals in the military, allowing homosexuals to serve in the armed forces on condition they were discreet about their sexual orientation.

In 1999, Vermont became the first state to rule that gay and lesbian couples were entitled to the same benefits and protections as heterosexual couples. Massachusetts became the first state to recognize same-sex marriages in 2004.