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2008 in LGBT Rights

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In 2008, there were 25 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 51 changes made and 70 in the following year. A total of 575 legal changes were made in the 2000s.

  • 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. pending under state law.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    Kentucky law permits married (heterosexual) couples and single people to adopt. KY Revised Statutes §199.470. Second-parent adoption had been permitted, but is not now considered unlawful following the appellate court ruling in S.J.L.S. v. T.L.S., 265 S.W.3.d 804 (Ky. App. 2008).
  • 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.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
  • 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.
  • February
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.

LGBT Organizations Founded in 2008

  • Transgender Education & Advocacy (TEA) FaviconTransgender Education & Advocacy (TEA)
    Kenya
    A Kenyan organization aimed at promoting awareness and creating an appropriate environment for the well-being of all transgender and intersex individuals in Kenya.
  • Latinos Salud FaviconLatinos Salud
    Global
    Latinos Salud was founded in 2008 to create a safe space for Latino gay guys and their partners to find friends, support, and resources. Our 13 staff members hail from Brazil…
  • Pink Alliance FaviconPink Alliance
    Hong Kong
    Pink Alliance is a non-profit organisation involved in gay rights advocacy and campaigning.
  • Eesti LGBT Ühing FaviconEesti LGBT Ühing
    Estonia
    The Estonian LGBT Association is a non-profit organization for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi, trans) people. The mission of the Estonian LGBT Association, as a representative of the…
  • Beijing LGBT Center FaviconBeijing LGBT Center
    China
    The Beijing LGBT Center is a non-profit organization aimed at empowering China's LGBT community. The community-based organization is focused on providing resources for LGBT…
  • Bi Social Network FaviconBi Social Network
    Global
    Bi Social Network (BSN) is working with underserved diverse communities on poverty issues, teen homelessness, marginalized groups and the elderly. BSN is interested in the human…
  • Shamakami FaviconShamakami
    Meghalaya, India
    It is the only registered organization working in the state of Meghalaya, with a rights based approach with a vision to deliver equal rights and dignity to the LGBT community.…
  • Health Initiative for Men (HIM) FaviconHealth Initiative for Men (HIM)
    British Columbia, Canada
    With five health centres throughout the Lower Mainland, Health Initiative for Men is a non-profit society that aims to strengthen the health and well-being of gay men. We offer…