Australia: Homosexuality is illegal in the Northern Territory. Danger
of arrest: Low. But until recently, in Queensland, barmen could refuse
to serve anyone they suspected of being homosexual. So don't take that
flamboyant shirt.
China: Promiscuity is illegal. Sort of. Danger of arrest: Depends who
talks. In 1986, a pop star was jailed for getting two fans pregnant
and therefore adding to the population unnecessarily. Contraception is
advisable.
Iran: Prostitution is illegal. Danger of arrest: Okay, prostitution's
"illegal" in many countries. But the punishment isn't usually to be
buried up to the chest, masked by a "hood of death" and stoned by a
crowd.
Israel: It's an offence for single women to hitch-hike. Danger of
arrest: Low, but the danger of not being believed when they get raped
because they were "asking for it" is astronomically high.
Jordan: Chatting, kissing, or walking with an unapproved man is a
crime for woman. Danger of arrest: Low, but she may get dropped down a
well by her father or mother. Which is worse than legal prosecution.
Pakistan: Adultery is a crime. Danger of arrest: For women, high. A
16-year-old was raped by three men, made pregnant, and got 15 lashes
and three years for "adultery". That's the caring face of Pakistan's
legal system.
Saudi Arabia: It's a crime for a woman to be alone with a man who
isn't her husband. And adultery. And anything that else that sounds
like fun. Danger of arrest: High, with sentences including beheading
and/or flogging.
Switzerland: It's a crime to co-habit. Danger of arrest: If you make a
point of appearing unmarried (having loud sex, acting like you're in
love): high. In one district, more than 20 couples have been fined.
UK: Buggery is a crime. Danger of arrest: Minimal - someone has to
report you, or you have to tell a copper yourself. In 1971, a man
accidentally did this while discussing another offence with the cops -
and got 18 months.
US (Kansas): Vibrators and other sex toys are illegal. Danger of
arrest: High. In 1982, a man was arrested selling blow-up dolls, and
there have been many convictions since. Sex aids are equal to class A
drugs.
US (New York): Adultery is a crime. Danger of arrest: Low, but a
couple recently faced prosecution when the woman's husband took
pictures of her and her lover frolicking. Best hide all cameras after
planning your tryst.
US (Washington DC): It's a crime to give or receive oral sex. Danger
of arrest: If your name's Bill Clinton, slight. Otherwise, it would
have to be an ex pissed off with your technique who shops you to the
boys in blue.
US (Wyoming): It's a crime to encourage someone else to masturbate.
Danger of arrest: If you're caught with a jazz mag, you'll be okay -
but the editor gets prosecuted.
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