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1944 in LGBT Rights

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In 1944, there were 6 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 2 changes made and 9 in the following year. A total of 56 legal changes were made in the 1940s.

  • November 25
    Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    Until 2012, Oaxaca had defined a marriage as being between a man and a woman, effectively banning same-sex marriage. This was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
  • September 3
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Belgium was liberated in September of 1944. Belgian civil law reverted back to pre-war laws.
  • July 1
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Homosexual activity has been legal in Sweden since 1944.
  • January 15
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    Up to 3 years in prison. Not enforced.
  • (date unknown)
    Equal age of consent becomes n/a.
    From 1944 until 2016, homosexuality was criminalised in Belize.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    In 1944, the requirement for force and lack of consent to convict someone for homosexual relations was removed by Ordinance No. 4. The Section 53 of the 2000 Belize Criminal Code states that all kinds of sexual acts, except for the natural sex, are illegal. People found guilty are liable for a 10-year imprisonment. "Every person who has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any person ... shall be liable to imprisonment for 10 years." Moreover, homosexual immigrants are prohibited an entry to the country.