1920s in LGBT Rights

Number of LGBT-related laws changed over time
  • January 1
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    The Criminal Code for the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (Kingdom of Yugoslavia as of October 3, 1929) adopted on January 27, 1929 criminalized "unnatural fornication" without specifying the definition of the mentioned term. Paragraph 285: for unnatural fornication between persons, the perpetrator shall be punished with strict imprisonment, unless the act turns into a more serious crime.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    The Criminal Code for the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (Kingdom of Yugoslavia as of October 3, 1929) adopted on January 27, 1929 criminalized "unnatural fornication" without specifying the definition of the mentioned term. Paragraph 285: for unnatural fornication between persons, the perpetrator shall be punished with strict imprisonment, unless the act turns into a more serious crime.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    The Criminal Code for the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (Kingdom of Yugoslavia as of October 3, 1929) adopted on January 27, 1929 criminalized "unnatural fornication" without specifying the definition of the mentioned term. Paragraph 285: for unnatural fornication between persons, the perpetrator shall be punished with strict imprisonment, unless the act turns into a more serious crime.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    The Criminal Code for the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (Kingdom of Yugoslavia as of October 3, 1929) adopted on January 27, 1929 criminalized "unnatural fornication" without specifying the definition of the mentioned term. Paragraph 285: for unnatural fornication between persons, the perpetrator shall be punished with strict imprisonment, unless the act turns into a more serious crime.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    The Criminal Code for the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (Kingdom of Yugoslavia as of October 3, 1929) adopted on January 27, 1929 criminalized "unnatural fornication" without specifying the definition of the mentioned term. Paragraph 285: for unnatural fornication between persons, the perpetrator shall be punished with strict imprisonment, unless the act turns into a more serious crime.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    The Criminal Code for the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (Kingdom of Yugoslavia as of October 3, 1929) adopted on January 27, 1929 criminalized "unnatural fornication" without specifying the definition of the mentioned term. Paragraph 285: for unnatural fornication between persons, the perpetrator shall be punished with strict imprisonment, unless the act turns into a more serious crime.
  • (date unknown)
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    Between 1929 and 2008 homosexuality was outlawed with a sentence of 1-2 years.
  • January 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Same sex couples are taboo.
  • (date unknown)
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    The laws are based on the Italian Penal Code of 1929 (the time of the founding of the sovereignty of Vatican City). There are no criminal laws against non-commercial, private, adult and consensual same-sex sexual activity. On October 13, 2014, the Vatican released a report that summarizes ongoing discussions about family issues among the top Catholic clergy. Totally unexpected, they moved the LGBT community across the world by showing a positive attitude towards the homosexuals. Though no decisions were announced, the clergy seemed keen to let the society reap the benefits of cohabitation and civil unions.
  • October 29
    Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    Civil Unions pending. Under review by a Turkish high court to see if spouses are entitled for visas.
  • July 1
    Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female legal.
    Up to 14 years in prison with hard labour
  • (date unknown)
    Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female legal.
    Not enforced. Decriminalization pending. Court plans to decriminalize homosexuality by May 17, 2024.