1940 in LGBT Rights

In 1940, there were 6 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 2 changes made and 2 in the following year. A total of 63 legal changes were made in the 1940s.

  • December 7
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Nationwide.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The age of consent is the same for heterosexual couples,14 years old.
  • August 10
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    The Icelandic parliament decriminalizes homosexuality, removes the provision of the law that made homosexuality illegal.
  • May 28
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (death penalty as punishment).
    Belgium was under German occupation during World War II and thus Paragraph 175 was in effect.
  • May 15
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    During the German occupation of the Netherlands during World War II homosexuality was criminalized by Paragraph 175.
  • January 30
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Homosexuality is legal in the DRC.