In 1940, there were 6 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 1 change made and 2 in the following year. A total of 64 legal changes were made in the 1940s.
- December 7
- August 10Homosexual activity becomes legal.The Icelandic parliament decriminalizes homosexuality, removes the provision of the law that made homosexuality illegal.
- May 28Homosexual activity becomes illegal (death penalty as punishment).Belgium was under German occupation during World War II and thus Paragraph 175 was in effect.
- May 15Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).During the German occupation of the Netherlands during World War II homosexuality was criminalized by Paragraph 175.
- January 30Homosexual activity becomes legal.Homosexuality is legal in the DRC.