Page:Edward Prime-Stevenson - The Intersexes.djvu/87

 to eight years, and the public decorum is not to be offended; otherwise, the homosexual is relatively free. In Zürich, like Freiburg, only when the offense is with a minor of less than 18 years, or if public decency is in question, can the homosexual be punished. In Basel, homosexual relations with minors apparently if under 18 years, have special penalties of imprisonment, and the circumstances opposed to public propriety are considered. In the Canton of Tessin (Ticino) debauchment of minors over 12 years and under 15 years is punishable by imprisonment. In Geneva (a city where much homosexualism is met) there is no punishment except for the debauchment of minor youths: that is to say imprisonment from one month to one year if the minor be under 21, and for two years up to five years if the youth be less than fourteen; besides regulations as to public decorum. In Neuchâtel the law is similar to Geneva. In Appenzell, the law punishes adults who offend between themselves, or those who debauch minor youth under 15, according to a series of fines and imprisonments, the latter ranging from two to twenty (!) years. In Schwyz, exists a general provision for homosexual offense, with imprisonment for a term of two years. In St Gall, the law regards the matter in relation only to debauchment of minors, or if a public scandal be made; with a term of two years imprisonment. In a large number of these different legistations in Switzerland, according to this or that cantonal sentiment, there also is met a just paragraph which provides special punishment against any homosexual who debauches a minor in the relation to him of pupil, ward, or otherwise committed to the adult offender, in the capacity of protegé. Also is punished all pandering.

In France, the Code Napoléon maintains its wise and humane provisions. There is no legal recognition, no penalty for homosexual intercourse between males or females, in France, unless public decency comes into the