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1983 in LGBT Rights

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In 1983, there were 8 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 16 changes made and 3 in the following year. A total of 172 legal changes were made in the 1980s.

  • July 9
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    2 years in prison and fine and stoning. Legal in some states. death penalty rarely enforced. Changes pending.
  • Equal age of consent becomes n/a.
    Homosexual activity is illegal in Mauritania.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes illegal.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (death penalty as punishment).
    Male homosexuality is punishable by stoning; female homosexuality is punishable by fines or imprisonments
  • July 8
    Serving openly in military becomes illegal.
    As homosexuality is illegal, serving in the military by LGBTQ+ individuals are also illegal
  • June 26
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    US Supreme Court ruling issued in Lawrence v. Texas struck down all sodomy laws on the basis of privacy and liberty. The decision overturned any laws remaining in all US states which prohibited acts of sodomy.
  • June 20
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).
    In 1983, in response to the HIV epidemic, the Directorate General of Health banned MSMs from donating blood indefinitely. This ban was reiterated in 2009.