In 2008, there were 24 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 52 changes made and 68 in the following year. A total of 587 legal changes were made in the 2000s.
- November 26Same-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.
- October 28Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
- October 20Same-sex adoption becomes single only.Legalization pending. Because gay marriage just got legalized.
- 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 12Same-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 5Right 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
- July 15LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.Included in incitement to hatred.
- July 1Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).5- 30 years in prison and fine. 5-25 years in Zanzibar. Rarely enforced.
- June 14
- June 1Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
- May 29Same-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 1Equal 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
- April 7
- March 10
- February 17
- February 3Same-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 15Blood 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.
LGBT Organizations Founded in 2008
Transgender Education & Advocacy (TEA)
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
GlobalLatinos 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
Pink Alliance is a non-profit organisation involved in gay rights advocacy and campaigning.Eesti LGBT
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
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
GlobalBi 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
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)
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…