2000s in LGBT Rights

Number of LGBT-related laws changed over time
  • December 21
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Joint adoption legal in the Federal District of Mexico City (2010) and the state of Coahuila. Single gay persons may adopt nationwide.
  • December 10
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    The Constitutional Court ruled that ones sexual orientation and gender identity is not good grounds to terminate service in the police or the military
  • December 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Under the Adoption Act.
  • October 1
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Sexual orientation has been explicitly protected since 2009 in the Alberta Human Rights Act. Gender identity is read-in by the Alberta Human Rights Commission under "gender" though it is not explicit in the Act, however a lengthy tribunal process makes this implicit protection inaccessible to many Albertans.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Sexual orientation is officially a protected group. While not explicit in the law, the Alberta Human Rights Commission reads in transgender rights under "gender", but lengthy tribunal process makes this implicit protection inaccessible to many Albertans.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    There remains no explicit protection of transgender people under the Act, though the Alberta Human Rights Commission reads in transgender rights under "gender".
  • September 28
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Either single or coupled LGBT people can adopt children.
  • September 19
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes no protections.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
  • September 10
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    In 2009, Uruguay became the first Latin American country to allow same-sex couples to adopt children.
  • August 31
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Surgery is required in the Vital Statistics Act.
  • July 23
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    The law specifically states discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation is punishable by imprisonment
  • July 9
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    LGBTQ+ members are protected from violence and all aspects of life.
  • July 8
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • July 2
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Case law overriding Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code
  • July 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    The institution of registered partnership is only available to same sex couples. The unregistered cohabitation (élettársi kapcsolat) of same-sex couples was recognised and placed on equal footing with the unregistered cohabitation of different-sex couples in 1996. However, same-sex marriage is banned by the 2012 Constitution.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes step-child adoption only.
    Joint adoption not legal at this time, only adoption of one partners existing children.
  • June 18
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Laos legalized changing gender in 2009 but there is no protection laws.
  • June 17
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • May 15
    Same-sex adoption becomes step-child adoption only.
    Only able to adopt child of the other partner
  • May 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Sweden becomes the seventh country to legalize same-sex marriage.
  • April 27
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2009, Iowa became the third state to legalize same-sex marriage. Varnum v. Brien, Supreme Court of Iowa (2009).
  • April 22
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    Up to 2 years imprisonment and/or up to 50,000 frank fine
  • April 7
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2009, Vermont became the third US state to legalize same-sex marriage, following Massachusetts in 2004 and Connecticut in 2008. Vermont was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage by legislative means.
  • March 26
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    On 26 March 2009, Parliament approved a unified anti-discrimination law, known as the Anti-Discrimination Act of 2009, which prohibits, among other categories, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and transgender status in all areas.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • March 19
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    At the time, gay couples were allowed to have civil unions and thus was able to apply as a couple.
  • March 18
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Within the penal code, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation (and discrimination in general) is treated as an aggravating circumstances.
  • March 16
    Same-sex marriage becomes other type of partnership.
    Domestic partnership is recognized by the state as a form of same-sex union
  • March 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (5-year deferral).
    No specific date in March. NZBS lists March 2009 on the linked page. NZBS performed a review in 2013 and results are expected to be public shortly.
  • February 27
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Argentina recognizes international convention on human rights. LGBT individuals are explicitly protected in the military code but is not explicitly included in the general discrimination protection code.
  • February 20
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Only sexual orientation
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Only sexual orientation
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Discrimination is illegal
  • January 29
    Same-sex marriage becomes other type of partnership.
    A Colombia court ruling implies that even though there are no specific legal provisions, same sex couples can now file for the same right and protection like a different-sex marriage using the provision of a "de facto union" in the 1991 constitution
  • (date unknown)
    Censorship of LGBT Issues becomes fine as punishment.
    LGBTQ+ content is restricted for minors in Lithuania since 2009. The law has been used to censor LGBT books, TV shows, ads and series under the guise of "protecting minors".
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Transgender people allowed to change gender, require surgery.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    The right to change legal gender was introduced by the Gender Recognition Act 2009.
  • January 1
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Discrimination of people based on sexual orientation, race, sex, and others is illegal.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    No one lives there. Norwegian law however legalizes gay marriage
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    There is full discrimination protection in 24 cities and 11 counties in Florida. As well as sexual orientation protection under Florida hate crime law. state wide gender identity discrimination protection under section VII. Some cities and counties have offered some protection, but at the state level there is none.
  • January 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under Estonian law.
  • (date unknown)
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Under the Article 295 of the North Korean Criminal Law, the age of consent is 15 irrespectively of gender of parties.
  • January 1
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Rejecting job applications due to sexual orientation, race, sex and others is illegal.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Although the Constitution prohibits any kind of discrimination (but this is difficult to enforce and unclear how applies), Equal Treatment Act only prohibits discrimination in employment.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Housing discimination due to sexual orientation, change of legal gender, crossgender identity and expression are illegal. (I am unsure if it was illegal due to legal gender change and sexual orientation before 2009.)
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Protection against discrimination in the Swedish Armed Forces is explicitly stated. In 2015, Sweden even ran a campaign encouraging LGBT people to serve openly. The campaign featured a poster of an individual in camouflage with a rainbow flag badge on her arm, with the headline, "some things you should not have to camouflage." The poster read, "Equality is an essential ingredient in a democracy. In the military, we treat them with respect and see the differences of others as a fortress. We are an inclusive organisation where all the people who serve and contribute feel welcome and respected."
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    The Penal Code has prohibited discrimination against homosexual men, lesbians, and bisexuals since 1987. A new, consolidated anti-discrimination code (Discrimination Act 2008:567) was added to in 2008 and went into effect on January 1, 2009, which includes transgender identity or expression.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • (date unknown)
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes ambiguous.
    Cambodia banned adoption by gay and lesbian foreigners. It is unclear if gay and lesbian Cambodians could adopt.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    An amandment made in June 2009 to Article 20(1) of the Civil Registration Law allows transgender people to change their legal gender on birth certificates or citizen identification cards following sex reassignment surgery.
  • January 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2009, same-sex couples were granted marriage rights.
  • (date unknown)
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • November 26
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized, same-sex marriage and civil unions banned.
    Cohabitation agreement, corresponding to civil union, was instituted in Greece, in November 26, 2008, only available to opposite-sex couples. In April 2006, former President of the PA.SO.K. party, George Papandreou proposed to Parliament the recognition of unmarried same-sex or heterosexual couples. However, the project was not accepted by the LGBT organizations as it was considered that it would not have any benefit in their rights, since it prohibited the adoption of children.
  • November 4
    Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    Palau's Constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman. The same-sex marriage ban was added to the Constitution in 2008. The ban was among the 22 amendments passed during the November 4, 2008 referendum.
  • October 28
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2008, Connecticut became the first US state to legalize same-sex marriage, following Massachusetts in 2004.
  • October 20
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    Legalization pending. Because gay marriage just got legalized.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    Under article 68 of the 2008 constitution, adoption is explicitly only grated to different-sex unions. Singles can still apply for adoption.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    Although marriage is still defined as a union between a man and a woman, article 68 of the 2008 constitution also state: The stable and monogamous union between two persons without any other marriage ties who have a common-law home, for the lapse of time and under the conditions and circumstances provided for by law, shall enjoy the same rights and obligations of those families bound by formal marriage ties.
  • September 12
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Under federal law since 2015. Single adoption, joint adoption for married couples and second parent adoption for married couples are all allowed for LGBT people. In Kentucky, businesses can discriminate against LGBT people on the basis of religion. While it is unclear if this also applies to adoption agencies, such a case has been brought up in court and ended up with the judge resigning.
  • August 5
    Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    Legally, one can only change the gender when he/she is very young and has condition that "confuses" the actual gender of the child. Once the sexual organ is "fully developed", a citizen can't change his/her gender.
  • July 31
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The age of consent is equal at 18.
  • July 15
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Included in incitement to hatred.
  • July 1
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    5- 30 years in prison and fine. 5-25 years in Zanzibar. Rarely enforced.
  • June 14
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    .
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    ..
  • June 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Legal
  • May 29
    Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    In this context, "foreign" is defined as same-sex marriages legally performed in other jurisdictions but heretofore unrecognized by New York State.
  • May 1
    Equal age of consent becomes unequal.
    The age of consent in for anal sex in Canada is 18, whereas the age of consent for acts of sex is 16.
  • April 16
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    In 2008, Russia repealed its ban against gay people donating blood. The law was signed in effect on April 16, 2008 by Tatyana Golikova, the minister of Russia's Health and Social Development department.
  • April 7
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Male homosexuality was legalized in 1994 in certain areas, homosexuality was fully legalized in 2008.
  • March 10
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    .
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    .
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    .
  • February 17
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    after removing restrictions.
  • February 3
    Same-sex marriage becomes other type of partnership.
    The terminology for same sex union used is domestic partnership. Same-sex marriage from other states are also recognized in oregon.
  • January 15
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    The first version of the questionnaire stated that male homosexuals, African citizens from countries infected with malaria, uneducated people, as well as other categories of people cannot donate blood in Romania. After the hearings of the Council for Combating Discrimination, the Ministry of Health removed the questions considered discriminatory from the questionnaire.
  • January 1
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    All discrimination is illegal.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
    Housing discrimination protections was not added to Macau's Criminal Code. Full housing discrimination protection pending.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Housing Discrimination laws completely protect sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    under the Marriage Act.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Full protections for Employment only. Full discrimination protections pending.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    under the Macau criminal code. and under Protections for government Employees.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    There are no restrictions for blood donations by MSMs.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Including Incitement to hatred based on sexual orientation.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    Same-sex marriage is banned in Tajikistan
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Discrimination of LGBTQ+ is currently illegal and can result in being fined or/and imprisonment.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    As of 2008 (no specific date, N/D), rejecting employment due to sexual orientation or/and gender identity is currently illegal.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • (date unknown)
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Since 2008, transgender people in Georgia can change documents and personal names to reflect their preferred gender after having undergone sex reassignment surgery.
  • January 1
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Under the amendment in the Anti-Discrimination Act, Gays and lesbians are protected, trans people have yet to receive any protection
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Under the amendment Anti-Discrimination Act, Gays and lesbians are protected, this doesn’t apply to trans people unfortunately
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes varies by region.
    In a 2008 report by the UN Human Rights Committee, they expressed concern about discrimination against LGBT people in several areas, including employment. Employement Discrimination protections only in Tokyo and Ibaraki.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    e page 8 of the Equal Opportunities Act 2008, which prohibits discrimination in employment and other activities on many grounds, including ‘sexual orientation
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    According to Article 45(2) and Article 406(3) of the Novo Código Laboral Cabo-Verdiano.
  • January 1
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
  • January
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Transgender citizens are permitted to change their legal gender in Taiwan provided they undergo gender re-assignment surgery.. In 2008 the Taiwanese Health Department announced it would recommend that female to male transexuals would no longer be required
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    The High Court ruled that same sex couples can adopt, but in practice priority is given to opposite sex couples.
  • December 21
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
  • December 14
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • November 17
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Homosexuality within Chinandega is legal
  • November 16
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    According to Nicaraguan laws.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    The law bans discrimination in housing for LGBT people.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Homosexuality is legal under current legal code
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Article 36 specifically prohibits discriminations by sexual oientation
  • November 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (6-month deferral).
  • October 16
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Since 2008
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • July 7
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    .
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    .
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    .
  • June 13
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Illegal under the UK Federal Hate Crimes.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Constitutional ban on all discrimination.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • May 18
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • May 11
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Since 2007
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Only for employment for sexual orientation.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Only sexual orientation for employment.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    The 2007 labor law protects against discrimination on employment on grounds of sexual orientation
  • May 4
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Taiwan banned workplace discrimination against LGBT citizens in 2007.
  • (date unknown)
    Serving openly in military becomes illegal.
    The Military penal law No. 19 2007 prohibits its men from engaging Homosexual acts.
  • January 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    Gay Marriage comes into effect in the next couple years.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Nationwide.
  • (date unknown)
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Under Samoan law Since 2007.
  • January 1
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under the Employment Relations Promulgation 2007
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Non binary options UK Wide.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • (date unknown)
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    State statute allows married and unmarried persons to adopt per §9-301, and a lower court ruled in MA, 2007 ME 123 (2007) that the law is not exclusionary of same-sex partners. Similarly, second-parent adoption isn't expressly permitted in statute, but case law has been tolerant in lower court rulings.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • January 1
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Section 1.5 of Ireland's Defence Forces's "Equality, Diversity, and Equal Status Policies" state that "the nine (9) grounds on which discrimination is prohibited are: Gender, marital status, family status, disability, sexual orientation, age, religion, race and membership of the Traveller community."
  • (date unknown)
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The age of consent in Portugal is 14 years of age for both homosexual and heterosexual sex.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • January 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    Swiss Registered Partnership is a Civil Union that grants equal rights to Marriage but differs on three points: access to Fertility treatment, Adoption and facilitated Swiss naturalisation, this last one being discussed actually in Swiss parliament. ILGA states that Registered Partnership in Switzerland is «Equal/almost equal substitute nationally recognized» to Marriage.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2007 and 2008, the Legislative Yuan passed amendments to two employment laws banning discrimination based on sexual orientation at work.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Articles 4, 5 and 108 of the Labour Law 23/2007
  • Right to change legal gender becomes ambiguous.
    Filipinos who undergo gender re-assignment surgery are not permitted to change their legal gender per a supreme court ruling in 2007. Individuals with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), a very rare gender disorder, are permitted to change their gender. Changing gender pending.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Transgender people in Belgium are required to undergo gender reassignment surgery in order to change their gender on state documents.
  • January
    Same-sex adoption becomes n/a.
    This is not decided at the Federal level, but at the territorial government level. Some territories allow it, others do not.
  • (date unknown)
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • December 15
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • December 14
    LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
    No protection exists for sexual orientation and gender identity under the current constitution.
  • November 30
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
  • November 28
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Housing discrimination is illegal
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Employment discrimination is illegal
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Article 454 to 457 of the Luxembourgian Penal code prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender.
  • November 9
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    The labour law was amended to protect LGBTQ+ population in some aspects of the labour market.
  • November 8
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Changing your legal gender does not require surgery, however, it does require proof of some form of medical treatment for a period of two years.
  • November 7
    Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    The state election in 2006 amended the constitution to include clauses that defined marriage as being between a man and a woman.
  • November 6
    Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    Gay marriage pending, civil unions. As well as unregistered cohabitation.
  • October 31
    Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    Gay Marriage Pending and Unions. Gay Unions might be legal in 2018.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized, same-sex marriage and civil unions banned.
    Article 5 Chapter 2 of the Peruvian constitution defines marriage to be a "stable union" between a man and a woman.
  • September 28
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    This state explicitly bans housing discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identification. Additionally, the Human Rights Campaign states, "The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires grantees and participants of HUD programs to comply with local and state non-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity. HUD also prohibits inquiries regarding the sexual orientation or gender identity of a prospective tenant or applicant for assisted housing in every state (March 2012)."
  • September 1
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Employment discrimination was banned by the Employment Act 2006, and further enhanced by the Equality Act 2017.
  • August 18
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Section 1 of the General Act on Equal Treatment (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG) prohibits discrimination on housing.
  • July 31
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Not required since 2016. Missing non binary option on documents.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Transgender persons can change their legal gender and name after completion of medical intervention since 2006. They need to undergo a visual inspection of their genitals by a doctor to get the change granted, which can be difficult and humiliating.
  • July 25
    Same-sex marriage becomes other type of partnership.
    Registered partnership is available with very limited number of rights granted.
  • July 18
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • July 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Under the bill passed on June 22, 2018. Will come into effect on September 9, 2018.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    Registered partnerships are available for same sex couples which grant some rights similar, but not equal, to marriage.
  • June 29
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    National law was amended in 2006 when the Treaty of Amsterdam was signed - giving all people the same rights under law. The Federal Constitutional Court of Germany clarified in 1 BvR 2019/16 that the general right of personality (Article 2 (1) in conjunction with Article 1 (1) of the Basic Law) protects gender identity. It also protects the gender identity of non-binary people. Article 3 (3) of the Basic Law includes non-binary people on the protection against discrimination on ground of their gender.
  • June 27
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • June 22
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Transgender South Koreans are permitted to change their gender on all legal documents following gender reassignment surgery.
  • June 13
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Federal regulations ban MSMs from donating blood, but it has been legal in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires since July 2013. A bill that would strike down the federal ban in other regions was passed by the lower house of Congress, but it was never considered by the Senate.
  • June 8
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Covers sexual orientation and gender identity in regard to employment, housing, and public accomodations
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    This state explicitly bans housing discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identification. Additionally, the Human Rights Campaign states, "The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires grantees and participants of HUD programs to comply with local and state non-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity. HUD also prohibits inquiries regarding the sexual orientation or gender identity of a prospective tenant or applicant for assisted housing in every state (March 2012)."
  • April 21
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • February 18
    Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    The 2006 constitution explicitly prohibits same sex marriage
  • January 1
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Article 131 of the Labour Code protects the category of sexual orientation from discrimination in employment since 2006.
  • (date unknown)
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2006 updated the 1992 Act to bring the age of consent for all into alignment.
  • January 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    requires surgery to change birth certificates. Changes pending. Missing non binary options on documents.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
    No protections are afforded to LGBTQ people in housing.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    it got equalized.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Sexual orientation protection in Article 131 of the Labour code for employment.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Requires notarized statement from attending physician or person in charge of an institution that sex has been changed via surgery, along with a name change order. No options for non-surgical and non-binary trans people. No intersex gender marker.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    Constitution defines marriage as an union between a man and a woman.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    See articles 2, 46A (1) and 46B of the Employment Act 1995, amended by Act 4 of 2006
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Due to Germany being a Federal Republic many states have had anti-discrimination laws as early as 1992. But by signing the Treaty of Amsterdam (EU) Germany amended its national anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation.
  • January 1
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Consensual same-sex activity is not illegal. However, ambiguities exist in the Penal Code of Niger for undefined 'moral' offenses.
  • (date unknown)
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • January
    Same-sex marriage becomes varies by region.
    Same-sex marriage from abroad recognized since 2006 and in a few cities since 2020
  • (date unknown)
    Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female legal.
    Fine and up to 10 years in prison (decriminalization pending)
  • December 27
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    State Law 3157 of December 27, 2005
  • December 18
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    .
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    .
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    .
  • December 15
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Section 110 explicitly states marriage as being a union between a man and a woman.
  • December 5
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    Activists are trying to get this legalized. Legalized required under EU Ruling. Gay marriage legalization pending. Foreign Same Sex Marriage recognized from other countries.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    Civil partnership
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    The Civil Partnership Act (2004). Under the Act, same-sex couples can register a civil partnership, which has almost the same legal effects, rights and obligations as marriage does for mixed-sex couples. For that reason, civil partnership is sometimes called ‘gay marriage’. However, legally, it is not marriage, but is a separate, segregated system
  • September 28
    Equal age of consent becomes n/a.
    16 for heterosexual males/females. No established age of consent for homosexual males/females, but they can be charged with engaging in consensual activity starting at age 12.
  • August
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Nationwide.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Nationwide.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Nationwide.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • July 21
    Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    Homosexuality is not legal in Gambia.
  • July 20
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Under bill C-38.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The Civil Marriage Act was passed at a federal level, overriding provincial marriage law.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Civil Marriage Act 2005 (Canada)
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage in Canada became legal with The Civil Marriage Act.
  • July 14
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    The Community/Union legislation (directive 2000/78) prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workspace. Later on it was transferred to the Greek legal order, with law 3304/2005, almost verbatim. The greek translation of the directive and the greek law referred to sexual orientation as “genetic orientation”.
  • July 4
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Under the Civil Marriage Act.
  • July 3
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Included in equal marriage legislation
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In July of 2005, Spain became the third country in the world to legalize gay marriage, following the Netherlands and Belgium. The law, which was passed by the Spanish parliament and signed into law by Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, also allows same-sex couples to adopt children.
  • May 4
    Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    The 2005 constitution explicitly prohibits the marriage or union between two people of the same sex
  • April 13
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    The Civil Union Act 2004 received Royal assent on 13 December 2004, allowing for same-sex couples to enter civil unions when it commenced on 13 April 2005.
  • April 8
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Kansas voters adopted a constitutional amendment in April 2005 that said "Marriage shall be constituted by one man and one woman only" and banned granting the "rights or incidents" of marriage to other relationships.
  • April 4
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Not required.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Missing non binary options on documents.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    As in United Kingdom
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    The Act gives transsexual people legal recognition as members of the sex appropriate to their gender (male or female) allowing them to acquire a new birth certificate, affording them full recognition of their acquired sex in law for all purposes, including marriage.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Gender Recognition Act 2004
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    As in United Kingdom
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Surgery is not required
  • March 18
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Homosexuality is currently illegal.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    Burundian constitution prohibits same-sex marriage.
  • January 11
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    it is the more open-minded places besides Nepal and tiwan. No laws in place for same sex couples.
  • (date unknown)
    Censorship of LGBT Issues becomes state-enforced.
    Morocco has several censorship measures in place including LGBT media censorship. Article 3 of the Decree Regulating the Right of Association prohibits associations from engaging in activities that, inter alia, “breach the laws or public morals” or “offend Islam”. Further amendments were made by Decree No. 2?04?969 (2005), which include prohibitive provisions, such as capacities at start-up. LGBT organisations are refused to register by the authorities.
  • January 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    No laws in place in for same sex couples. Legalization pending.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Anti-discrimination in hate speech and violence. As well incitement to hate tread.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Requires surgery to change documents. Changes pending. Missing non binary options on documents.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    included in hate crimes as well.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    According to the Wikipedia entry. So It might not be accurate.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female legal.
    5- 10 years in prison. Not enforced. Decriminalization pending. Since 2013 police officers have to take lgbt sensitivity training.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    As being a French territory.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    as being a territory of France. French laws apply.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Age of Consent for sex is equal in the Falkland Islands.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    protections in in all areas.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Anti-discrimination laws in hate speech and violence
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • January 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • (date unknown)
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • January 1
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Sexual orientation only
  • Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized, same-sex marriage and civil unions banned.
    Known as Amendment 3.
  • (date unknown)
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Sex-reassignment surgery is required to change legal documents in Kentucky.
  • January 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes ambiguous.
    The couple applying for adoption must be a married, different sex couple. Custody has been granted to a same-sex parent on the basis of the "child's best interest," but this is very rare.
  • (date unknown)
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Gay men in Japan are banned from donating blood following one (1) year after male-male sexual contact. Japanese Red Cross opposses this practice.
  • December 30
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    French law applies
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • December 29
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    .
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    .
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    .
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Treats of administrative penalties to be applied to companies that practice discrimination based on sexual orientation
  • December 21
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage is legal.
  • November 9
    Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    Marriage is recognized by law only between a man and a woman but foreign same-sex marriages are recognized
  • November 5
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Queen's Bench Justice Donna Wilson Ruled It unconstitutional.
  • November 4
    Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    The state passed a constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    Constitutional amendment adopted by state wide vote in 2004. Passed with 62% of the vote. Text of amendment follows: § 15.11 Marriage Amendment Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions. This state and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effect of marriage.
  • November 2
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Proposal 2 passed in 2004 defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman
  • Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized, same-sex marriage and civil unions banned.
    Also note that it does not matter where a same-sex couple was married, Arkansas states that all such marriages are void in the eyes of the state.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized, same-sex marriage and civil unions banned.
    The Commonwealth of Kentucky only recognizes marriages between a man and woman regardless of where the ceremony was performed.
  • November 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • October 19
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    In Florida you have the right to change your gender on your birth certificate and driver's license. In both cases, a physician is required to attest that you are receiving "appropriate treatment". What exactly is considered appropriate seems to be at the discretion of the physician. As such, surgery is not required.
  • October 4
    Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female legal.
    Sodomy was a crime under the 1907 common law, punishable with either death or a lesser punishment at the discretion of the court. "Sodomy" has been defined by its courts as "unlawful and intentional sexual relations per anum between two human males. (Decriminalization pending)
  • September 25
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • September 18
    Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    The state passed a referendum question defining marriage to be a union between one man and one woman.
  • September
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    From 2004 to 2013 the housing discrimination status was sexual orientation only in Kosovo.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Employment discrimination status was sexual orientation only from 2004 to 2013
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Sexual orientation only
  • August 25
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Marriage is defined as a union between a man and a woman
  • August 18
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • August 17
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Defines a hate crime as a criminal act committed because the victim's perceived: disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. Protections also include gender identification. Also, In 2014, California became the first state in the U.S. to officially ban the use of gay panic and transgender panic defenses in murder trials.
  • August 11
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Proposed on Legalizing Gay marriage by the King of Bhutan.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    Offence of "unnatural" sex is considered a petty misdemeanor in article 213 & 214.
  • August 4
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Any adults are permitted to petition jointly or individually before the court to request adoption, regardless of sexual orientation. §19-5-202. Second-parent adoption by same-sex couples is permitted per Colo. Rev. §19-5-203 et seq.
  • August 1
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Protection
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Bulgaria provides protection against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in the fields of employment, health care, and education, recruitment to the military, housing, accommodation, and a range of services available to the public
  • July 24
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Article 13 explicitly prohibits discriminations on the basis of sexual orientations
  • July 14
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Became the fourth Jurisdiction to legalize Gay marriage.
  • July 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Same-sex marriages and civil unions are prohibited in Georgia. Marriages between people of the same sex are not entitled the status of marriage. Foreign same-sex marriages also stand void here and are not covered by the jurisdiction, whatsoever be the circumstances.
  • May 17
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2004, Massachusetts became the first US state to legalize same-sex marriage.
  • May 14
    Same-sex marriage becomes varies by region.
    Legal status is extremely variable based on the individual state. Recognized at a Federal level, but not in all states, for all intents and purposes except Social Security. Social Security is based on the state of residence's recognition of marital status.
  • May 1
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    LGBT people are allowed to serve openly under new rules brought into place when Cyprus joined the European Union
  • March 19
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Canada
  • March 15
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    The Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act allows people to apply to have their sex status altered in the population registry, and consequently to receive identity documents and passports indicating their gender identity. The law states that transgender persons must undergo gender reassignment. This includes medical interventions but is not limited to surgery alone. Hormone therapy is considered to be gender reassignment, therefore surgery per se is not required.
  • March 12
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    just recently added protection
  • March 1
    LGBT discrimination becomes varies by region.
    In Tuscany, Piedmont, Liguria, Marche, Umbria, Sicily and Emilia-Romagna discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is banned
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Homosexual activity is legal in Cape Verde.
  • February 1
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Lgbtq+ from Finland are protected from all types of discrimination
  • January 9
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    NAC 440.130 provides allowance for persons to change gender on birth certificates and other vital records so long as a certifying physicians signs off on the persons gender identity.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Section 13(1)(9) of the Staff Orders for the Public Service (2004) requires that public service employees shall be treated fairly and equitably without discrimination based on sexual orientation.
  • Serving openly in military becomes don't ask, don't tell.
    According to the Helsinki Rights Committee in Armenia, in 2004, an internal defence ministry decree effectively bans gay men from serving in the armed forces. In practice, gays are marked as "mentally ill" and sent to a psychiatrist.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Kosovo has an equal age of consent for both heterosexual and homosexual sexual activity
  • January 1
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Gender identity and intersex status are perceived as being covered under "gender".
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • January
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Law 111 gave unmarried transgender citizens over the age of 22 with no children under the age of 20 the option to legally change their gender, only after undergoing sex-reassignment surgery.
  • December 18
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Article 21 was amended in 2003 so that legal sex can be rectified to correct for "errors" without changing other details in the civil registry.
  • December 2
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • November 18
    Censorship of LGBT Issues becomes no censorship.
    Previous law repealed by section 122 of the Local Government Act 2003.
  • November 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Until 2018, surgery was required to change your legal gender in Brazil.
  • October 8
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Requires a notarized affidavit from a surgeon outlining the surgical procedure(s). A court order may also be used as evidence.
  • September 30
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • September 20
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Don't Ask, Don't Tell is officially repealed throughout the United States, and gays and lesbians may openly serve.
  • September 16
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    There are some local discrimination protections for LGBT people. Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill pending nationwide.
  • August 28
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Missouri's hate crime statutes explicitly address both sexual orientation, defined as "male or female heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality by inclination, practice, identity or expression," and gender identity, defined as "having a self-image or identity not traditionally associated with one's gender."
  • July 24
    Same-sex marriage becomes unregistered cohabitation.
  • July 16
    Same-sex adoption becomes step-child adoption only.
    Under Partner Guardianship since 2014. Legalization pending.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    there are no restrictions for single individuals based on sexual orientation
  • July 15
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2003 Discrimination protection was extended to Sexual orientation and Gender identity in the penal code. In 2004, an official anti-discrimination bill was passed that includes provisions for sexual orientations and gender identities
  • July 9
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Discrimination protection is afforded on the grounds of sexual orientation
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Only discrimination in workplace banned.
  • July 1
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    This state explicitly bans housing discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identification. Additionally, the Human Rights Campaign states, "The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires grantees and participants of HUD programs to comply with local and state non-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity. HUD also prohibits inquiries regarding the sexual orientation or gender identity of a prospective tenant or applicant for assisted housing in every state (March 2012)."
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    People are protected from discrimination based upon both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • July
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    producing homophobic material can carry up to one year's imprisionment
  • July 1
    Serving openly in military becomes don't ask, don't tell.
    Major-General of Medical Service Valery Kulikov stated that "the new statute about military and medical expertise from July 1, 2003 does not forbid people of non-standard sexual orientation from serving in the military." Also, in February of 2010, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stated in an interview that gays are not banned from serving in the Russian armed forces.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Lawrence v. Texas (2003)
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Lawrence v. Texas (2003)
  • 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.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Lawrence v. Texas, U.S. Supreme Court (2003)
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    same sex activities legal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Lawrence v. Texas, U.S. Supreme Court (2003)
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Lawrence v. Texas, U.S. Supreme Court (2003)
  • 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.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    U.S. Supreme Court decision superceding any state or local statute making such activity illegal
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Legal due to the US Supreme ruling about homosexual activity.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Homosexual activity is legal in the United States, however, some US states had already legalized it in years prior.
  • June 10
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Through the case Halpern v. Canada, the definition of marriage as "one man and one woman" was changed to “the voluntary union for life of two persons to the exclusion of all others” to comply with the couples' equality rights under section 15(1) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
  • June 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Civil marriages for same sex couples were enabled by Article 143 of the Belgian Civil Code (Book I, Title V, Chapter I). Statutory Cohabitation remains available for those who do not wish to enter into a civil marriage.
  • May 27
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • May 26
    Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    The Constitution of Rwanda, adopted in May 2003, defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Article 26 states: "Only civil monogamous marriage between a man and a woman is recognized."
  • April 29
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    The National Council to Prevent Discrimination, CONAPRED, takes action to ensure equality for all citizens. This includes promoting new policies and resolving complaints of allegedly discriminatory acts.
  • April 18
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • March 15
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    No discrimination protections in the criminal code.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes no protections.
  • Serving openly in military becomes ambiguous.
    Currently unknown
  • LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
  • March 13
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Only in Mexico City.
  • January 16
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In all areas of Discrimination. Hate crime only for sexual orientation.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    The Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act, effective as of January 16, 2003, makes it unlawful for anyone in New York State to be discriminated against in employment, housing, credit, education and public accommodations because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation. SONDA, in combination with laws prohibiting discrimination based on marital status, together prohibit discrimination against same-sex couples in employment, housing, credit, education, and public accommodations. With respect to transgender individuals, SONDA does not explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and expression. However, SONDA does apply when a transgender person is discriminated against based upon his or her actual or perceived sexual orientation. Furthermore, courts have also held that transgender people are protected under provisions of the New York State Human Rights Law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex and/or disability. And in 2009, then-Governor David Paterson issued an executive order prohibiting discrimination in state employment on the basis of gender identity.
  • January 10
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under federal Hate Crimes
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under federal hate crimes.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under federal Hate Crimes.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    State Law 7309 of 10 January 2003
  • (date unknown)
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    In Zhambyl oblysy, it is legal to change the legal gender after surgery
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Since 2003, Transgender individuals have been allowed to change legal gender in Kazakhstan. People who wanted to change their gender had to receive a diagnosis of "gender identity disorder" involving several medical tests and a 30-day psychiatric evaluation. In 2011, new guidelines were established and allowed change to identity documents only after sex reassignment surgery, physical and psychiatric medical examinations, hormone therapy and sterilization. Additionally, people under 21 are not allowed to change their gender on their official identity documents.
  • January 1
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    From the Change of the of the Criminal Code.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    Latin American court ruled that all countries in Latin America have to legalize Gay Marriage. Gay marriage pending. Under 2018 IACHR Ruling.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Full Discrimination protection
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    sexual orientation was added in 2003. Gender indentity was always there.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    The legal system in Belize does not recognise same sex marriages or civil unions.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Same-sex relationships are not recognized in Iraq.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    State law provides protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation only. However, public state employees are allowed domestic partner benefits. Additionally, public state employees are protected from employment discrimination based on both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Sexual orientation was protected.
  • January 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    The authorities shall recognise a person as belonging to the opposite sex to that recorded on the population register, provided they: • Provides a medical report testifying that they permanently experience being a member of the opposite sex and that they live in the gender roles of those and that they have been sterilized or are otherwise incapable of having children • They are an adult • They are not married or in a registered partnership; unless the spouse or partner gives their consent in which case a marriage become a registered partnership and a registered partnership becomes a marriage • They are a Finnish citizen or is resident in Finland
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • January 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    California law states that an adult related to the child, a person named in a deceased parent’s will, a legal guardian, or a person with whom the child has been placed for adoption is permitted to petition to adopt. California §8600, 8601 permit same-sex adoption, and second-parent adoption is legal per case law exhibited via Sharon v. Supreme Court, 31 Cal. 4th 417 (2003). This case also explicitly banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in all adoptions and foster care placements in California.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    The Section 53 of the 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.
  • (date unknown)
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Legal nationwide since 2003
  • January 1
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    "The Labour Code has contained anti-discrimination protections in employment since 2003. This prohibition is also reflected in the new Equal Treatment Law of 2010, which entered into force on 1 January 2011. The Equal Treatment Law bans sexual orientation discrimination in employment only.
  • January
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Taiwan was the firs country in the Asia-Pacific region to consider legalizing same-sex marriage but the legislation stalled in the legislature.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • November 7
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    As in the UK, IVF treatment is available for lesbian couples too.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    IVF treatment is available for lesbian couples too.
  • September 10
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Legal under the case of Du Toit v Minister of Welfare and Population Development, later made official through the Consolidated Children's Act of 2010
  • September 1
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    According to the laws of Mongolia
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    From 2001,Same sex acts and realtionships are legal in Mongolia
  • August 31
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under the Romanian Criminal Code.
  • July 11
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The revised Criminal Code equalised the age of consent to 17, after pressure from the EU.
  • June 24
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The age of consent between people with maximum 5 years of difference is 14. Sexual contact between coetaneous is never punishable.
  • June 6
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • June
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Since June 2002, transgender people in Estonia have been allowed to change their legal gender and name. Additionally, they are not required to undergo sex reassignment surgery, sterilisation or divorce their partner.
  • April 17
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • March 12
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    The adoption requirement does not allow for unmarried couples or single parents of any form to apply for adoption of children.
  • March 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes illegal.
    Same-sex couples or even homosexuals are not allowed to adopt in Kenya. Chapter 141, Section 158 of Kenya's The Children Act states: "An adoption order shall not be made if the applicant or, in the case of joint applicants, both or any of them [...] is a homosexual."
  • February 13
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Serving as openly homosexual was never illegal in the military penal code. This provision was strengthened with the anti-discrimination provision proposed in 2010
  • January 15
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Law 14170 of January 15, 2002. Determines the imposition of penalties for companies who practice discriminatory act against a person because of their sexual orientation.
  • January 6
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The age of consent of 14 years is equal for everyone.
  • January 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).
    One of the many countries were lgbt people cannot donate.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Got removed in 2010. Gay marriage pending.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Requires surgery to change birth certificates. Missing non binary options on documents.
  • Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female legal.
    3 to 14 years in prison. Not enforced.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
    It is still illegal for males.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Under the amendment to the Newfoundland and Labrador Adoption Act.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes no protections.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes varies by region.
    Sex between consenting adults (18 years of age by the Law on Child Protection, No. 23/2002) of the same sex or gender is not criminalized in the Indonesian Penal Code. There are three exceptions where homosexuality is marginalized in local ordinances: 1. District Ordinance on Social Order (No. 10/2007) in Banjar, South Kalimantan Province. It mentions “abnormal” homosexual and heterosexual acts (in addition to “normal” ones) in its definition of “prostitute.” No explanation is given for “normal” or “abnormal” acts. It also prohibits the formation of organizations “leading to immoral acts” that are “unacceptable to the culture of [local] society.” These are later explained by giving examples of lesbian and gay organizations “and the like.” 2. City Ordinance on the Development of a Value System in Social Life Based on the Teachings of Islam and Local Social Norms (No. 12/2009) in Tasikmalaya, West Java. It prohibits adultery and prostitution, both heterosexual and homosexual. 3. City Ordinance on the Prevention, Eradication and Prosecution of Social Ills (No. 9/2010) in Padang Panjang, West Sumatra. The section with de$nition of terms explicitly mentions “homosexual and lesbian” relationships and later prohibits such relationships and prohibits persons from “o#ering themselves for homosexual and lesbian relationships either with or without payment.” Alongside these local ordinances, Aceh province (a province with significant legislative autonomy from the rest of Indonesia) from October, 2015, criminalises homosexual sex between muslim men with a punishment of up to 100 lashes.
  • (date unknown)
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Any individual may petition for single parent or joint adoption. Second-parent adoption is permitted via case law referenced below.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
    As male homosexuality is illegal, no protection is available to any members of the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • January 1
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Equal age of consent set at 14 since a Constitutional Court ruling in 2002.
  • (date unknown)
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Arkansas will amend after receipt of a court order verifying that they have undergone sex-reassignment surgery and that their names have been changed.
  • January
    Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    No legislation at present, but government has said it will legislate and there has been a landmark court prompting the government to seek legislation surrounding the issue. This legislation has yet to be carried out.
  • Serving openly in military becomes lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned.
    Taiwan allows gay and lesbian soldiers provided they maintain military discipline standards.
  • (date unknown)
    Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    Fijian law states that marriage is specificaly between a man and a woman.
  • Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female legal.
    Men can receive 3 to 14 years of imprisonment under Criminal Code 1974. The legislation lists homosexuality under "Unnatural Offenses" and "Indecent Practices Between Males." (decriminalization pending)
  • November 5
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    under São Paulo Law No. 10 948
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • October 29
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Supreme Court overturned 1977 law banning homosexual activity
  • October 24
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
    Only in Employment.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    Some protections under the new discrimination protection. Sexual orientation discrimination protection through human rights institute.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Under the new Burundi new anti-discrimination. As well sexual orientation discrimination protection only through Human rights institute.
  • September 28
    Same-sex marriage becomes other type of partnership.
    Same-sex couples are legally able to form registered partnerships
  • September 14
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).
    On September 14, 2001, the Russian Ministry of Health announced that men who have sex with men would be considered part of the "HIV high-risk groups," along with prostitutes and drug addicts.
  • September 1
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Age of consent is equal at 16 years old.
  • August 9
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Homosexuality is legal in Indonesia. The age of consent is 18 years old. Illegal in the Autonomous province of Aceh. Although, the Indonesian law allows homosexual conducts an overbroad interpretation of the pornography law, coupled with government action has enabled the police to use in targetting LGBT people.
  • August 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    Germany recognizes civil unions and provides tax benefits to couples in a civil union.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    On November 30, 2000 a bill was signed to make the ages of consent equitable, regardless of gender. The law came into effect on August 1, 2001. The age of consent for men who have sex with men was reduced from 18 to 16, on par with different sex individuals.
  • June 26
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    The last section of the law that criminalizes public manifestation of homosexuality was repealed.
  • June 22
    Censorship of LGBT Issues becomes no censorship.
    "Article 200" in Romania was repealed in 2001.
  • June 12
    Same-sex marriage becomes other type of partnership.
    Marriage Law is subject to Federal Law, Victoria afforded same sex relationships equal status as defacto heterosexual relationships (as domestic partnerships) in 2001
  • May 8
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Legislative repeal, effective 2001.
  • April 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage. The Lower Chamber voted 109 in favor on the same-sex marriage, with 33 against on September 12, 2000. On December 19, the Higher Chamber votes 'yes' on the bill. Queen Beatrix ratified the law on December 21st and it went into effect on April 1, 2001.
  • January 31
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
    Provision of housing is addressed by the Equal Opportunity Act which explicitly states that it "does not include sexual preference or orientation" as a protected status. Gender identity is not mentioned in the Act.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes no protections.
    The Equal Opportunity Act covers employment discrimination and explicitly states that it "does not include sexual preference or orientation" as a protected status. Gender identity is not mentioned in the act.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
    The act explicitly states that it "does not include sexual preference or orientation" as a status which may be the basis of discrimination.
  • January 26
    LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
    Although certain regions of the Philippines have anti discrimination laws but they are not being widely and properly enforce nor followed. Though LGBT rights groups around the country demand the passing of the Equality Bill.
  • January 8
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • January 5
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes no protections.
    Was not added to the current criminal code.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
    not much is know about this island. was not added when criminality was decriminalized in Anguilla criminal code.
  • (date unknown)
    Censorship of LGBT Issues becomes state-enforced.
    The Government of South Korea practiced censorship of gay content websites from 2001 to 2003, through its Information and Communications Ethics Committee, an official organ of the Ministry of Information and Communication.
  • January 1
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Sexual orientation and gender identity in public employment only.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    Sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination protection only in public employment.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • Saba,
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The age of concent was equalised at the same time as homosexual activity was decriminalised.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • Equal age of consent becomes unequal.
    On 13 December 2000, Caribbean Territories (Criminal Law) Order 2000 decriminalised consensual same-sex acts in private for two people over the age of 18. Age of consent for heterosexual couples is under 16.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Since legalization.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    In a 2001 amendment, sex change is possible but only with surgery.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    State law provides for protections against employment discrimination in regards to both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • January 1
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • (date unknown)
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Article 1 of the Constitution of Mexico was amended to prohibit discrimination based on, among other factors, sexual orientation.
  • January 1
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    On 13 December 2000, Caribbean Territories (Criminal Law) Order 2000 decriminalised consensual same-sex acts in private for two people over the age of 18. The order came in to force on 1 January 2001. It does not apply to acts with more than two parties, or in public lavatories.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    On 13 December 2000, Caribbean Territories (Criminal Law) Order 2000 decriminalised consensual same-sex acts in private for two people over the age of 18. The order came in to force on 1 January 2001. It does not apply to acts with more than two parties, or in public lavatories.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    On 13 December 2000, Caribbean Territories (Criminal Law) Order 2000 decriminalised consensual same-sex acts in private for two people over the age of 18. The order does not apply to acts with more than two parties, or in public lavatories.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    On 13 December 2000, Caribbean Territories (Criminal Law) Order 2000 decriminalised consensual same-sex acts in private for two people over the age of 18. The order does not apply to acts with more than two parties, or in public lavatories.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    The UK government decriminalised homosexual acts between two consenting adults via Sections 3(1) and 3(7) of the Caribbean Territories (Criminal Law) Order, 2000.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
  • (date unknown)
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Equal age of consent is 16.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).
    Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other "high risk HIV" groups are banned from donating blood in Taiwan.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    Italy uses a risk-based donor selection system that treats MSM and heterosexual partners equally.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • December 2
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Under the Equality Framework Directive 2000/78/EC of the European Union employment discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation is outlawed.
  • November 30
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Same as in England.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The age of consent is 16 (or 18 for those in a position of authority) for all couples.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Equalised age of consent to 16
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    The Sexual Offences Act was successfully challenged in the European Court of Human Rights in the case of ADT v. UK in 2000. The court determined the provisions making sexual acts between more than two men illegal would be in violation of privacy laws, and therefore, those portions of the Act became unenforceable. Essentially, this was the last barrier to legalizing same-sex activity within the UK.
  • November 27
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
  • September 12
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • September 1
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    In 2000 a new criminal code was introduced, repealing article 121 against homosexuality.
  • August 16
    Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    Outlawed by the Marriage Amendment Act 2000.
  • July 23
    LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
  • June 24
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    It has been legal since 1988 but the current criminal code was enacted in 2000.
  • June 9
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes not legal.
    The marriage law explicitly prohibits marriage between same-sex couples
  • June 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Any person or couple may adopt a child regardless of orientation pursuant Connecticut Public Act Number 00-228.
  • May 15
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Law Number 3406
  • February 15
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    According to article 140 and 141 of the Georgian Penal Code, the age of consent for both homosexual and heterosexual sex is 16.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • January 12
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Defence as part of United Kingdom
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    The British military actively recruits gay men and lesbians, all three services have deployed recruiting teams to gay pride events, and punishes any instance of intolerance or bullying. The Royal Navy advertises for recruits in gay magazines and has allowed gay sailors to hold civil partnership ceremonies on board ships and, since 2006, to march in full naval uniform at a gay pride marches. British Army and Royal Air Force personnel could march but had to wear civilian clothes until 2008, now all military personnel are permitted to attend Gay Pride marches in uniform.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    United Kingdom responsible for defence.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Serving openly in the military is legal as of the 2000's.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    The Ministry of Defence were forced to change their stance on when the European Court of Human Rights ruled in September 1999 that the then current ban on gays in the military was unlawful.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    While no law offers explicit protection on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, it could be argued that Article 2 of the General Law on Youth (Law No. 49) (2000), which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, could apply to employment matters. However, this law only protects youth between 14 and 25 years of age.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    In Queensland gender change requires an application confirming surgery or proof of reassignment surgery.
  • January 1
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under the new anti discrimination protection laws passed 1989-2000.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    in three cities and one county.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    City discrimination protection in a few cities. in one county.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Defended by UK.
  • (date unknown)
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    While Western Australia does not require gender reassignment surgery before legally changing an individual's gender, a form of reassignment procedure is required. Courts have interpreted hormones as being enough to qualify.
  • January 1
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation was probited by the General Law on Youth (Law 49/2000) and Article 11 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. In 2011 Law 135/2011 on HIV/AIDS prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • January 1
    Serving openly in military becomes n/a.
    UK defends them
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Ireland's Employment Equality Act, 1998, and the Equal Status Act, 2000 outlawed discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
  • (date unknown)
    Same-sex adoption becomes illegal.
    Miss. Code § 93-17-3(5) restricts adoptions making it illegal for a same-sex couple to adopt a child. Additionally, statute permits sexual orientation to be utilized as an adverse consideration in custody disputes.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes illegal.
    Utah Code Ann. § 78B-6-117(3): Adoption may not be permitted to individuals who are not entered into a legal marriage in a cohabitation situation. This applies to foster parenting as well (§ 62A-4a-602). Second parent adoption is outlawed as well for same-sex couples.(§ 62A-4a-60)
  • January 1
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
    This state does not provide any legal protections from discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identification. However, the Human Rights Campaign states, "The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires grantees and participants of HUD programs to comply with local and state non-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity. HUD also prohibits inquiries regarding the sexual orientation or gender identity of a prospective tenant or applicant for assisted housing in every state (March 2012)."
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    MSM can donate acording to law, but still exists discrimination in health system against them
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2000, the Romanian Parliament enacted a law that explicitly outlawed discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Article 3 (1) of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany and Article 14 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms protect against unequal treatment on grounds of sexual orientation.
  • Homosexual activity becomes ambiguous.
    While homosexuality itself is not technically illegal in Egypt, Equaldex characterizes it as illegal in practice. Courts have convicted people for homosexual acts using "breaching laws on public decency" and "debauchery" and "abnormal sexual relations."
  • January 1
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Military protection is responsibility of the United Kingdom, hence their law applies.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes other type of partnership.
    Statutory Cohabitation grants specific rights to cohabiting persons. Although not specifically intended for LGBT couples it was open for same sex couples.
  • (date unknown)
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.