Abstract
Based on evidence from a study of 74 anti homosexual homicides with male victims that occurred in New South Wales between 1980 and 2000, this report analyses the social characteristics of victims and perpetrators and the situational factors involved, as well as case studies outlining specific homicide scenarios. The study also examines the links between such killings and commonplace issues of male identity. The link to various aspects of masculinity, including heterosexism and male honour, that have community support leads to a critical scrutiny of the legal issues involved, including the homosexual advance defence and the idea of homosexual panic as a legal defence.