Laws against homosexual behaviour have varied from the severe (e.g. mutilation and execution) to the ridiculous and ineffectual.

Homosexuals (i.e. male homosexuals rather than females) have often been prosecuted on charges of indecency for simply holding hands or trying to dance together. Perhaps the most absurd law was the one instanced by Robitscher "Statutes, Law Enforcement and the Judicial Process") -- the sale of alcoholic drink to homosexuals, or permitting their congregation at licensed premises, was represented as a ground for suspension or revocation of a liquor license, 27 ALR. 3d