1980 in LGBT Rights

In 1980, there were 13 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 13 changes made and 5 in the following year. A total of 187 legal changes were made in the 1980s.

  • September 10
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Section 8 § 1 of the German Transsexuellengesetz (Transsexuals Act of September 10, 1980) states that transgender people can change their first names and gender entry under the condition of gender-affirming surgery, sterilization, and divorce.
  • August 13
    Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female legal.
    1-3 years in prison ; fine between 100,000 and 500,000 CFA ( US 170- 870 dollars) Not enforced.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
    None exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes no protections.
    None exist.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
    None exist in the criminal code.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    Same sex marriage is not legal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    1-3 years in prison, 100 000-500 000 cfa fine. Decriminalization pending
  • April 18
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Some protection under the mandate through human rights institute.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    Unknown.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
    Although Zimbabwean constitution does state "All citizens are equal", sexual orientations and gender identities are not protected.
  • February 20
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes no protections.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
    There have been measures proposed during 2000 and 2003 to include sexual orientations and gender identities in grounds to protect against discriminations but these measures failed.