Czech Republic

Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1961. Laws against homosexual relations were repealed in 1990. The legal minimum age of consent (for heterosexual and homosexual relations alike) is 15 years (if no money is involved). Additionally, it is an offence to expose a minor (under 18) to the "danger of depravation" by enabling him an "idle or indecent life" or by seducing him into such a life. The Czech parliament overrode the veto of the Czech president and voted in the domestic partnership law in May 2006. Gays and lesbians now have all the same rights as heterosexuals do, including the right to marry. The only exception is that they cannot adopt children. Prague is a liberal city where many gay Czechs choose to live. There are no laws concerning tourists with HIV/AIDS but the intentional infection to any sexually transmitted disease is punishable according to § 189-190 of the Czech penal code with imprisonment of up to two years. Unintentional infection is also punishable with imprisonment for one year. Prostitution and the promotion of prostitution is legal, if the prostitute is at least 18 years old. Prostitution is however not accepted as a profession. The proliferation of pornography is illegal. Czech society is generally liberal and open minded, perhaps because the church never had much influence within the society. This continues today, with a certain attitude of defiance. This liberal stand also covers sexuality and different lifestyles. The number of gay bars, clubs, cafes and accommodations is permanently growing. A culture and film festival called Mezipatra has been taking place since 2002 in Prague. Prague's gay and lesbian scene is comparable with many western cities of the same size. Despite the extensive commercial gay scene and liberal Czech society, Prague had to wait until August 2011 for the first Gay Pride. Following its great success, Prague Pride is also to be continued next year. The Czech Crown will be still in use for the next couple of years. A change to the European currency the Euro is not planned in the near future.