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2009 in LGBT Rights

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In 2009, there were 122 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 94 changes made and 96 in the following year. A total of 1150 legal changes were made in the 2000s.

  • December 22
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    There is limited protection based on sexual orientation. The Kenya Information and Communications (Broadcasting) Regulations, 2009, bans incitement to hatred based on sexual preference. The Data Protection Act (2019) states that "sensitive personal data" means "data revealing the natural person's race, health status, ethnic social origin, conscience, belief, genetic data, biometric data, property details, marital status, family details including names of the person's children, parents, spouse or spouses, sex or the sexual orientation of the data subject." Some protections for intersex children under The Children Act 2022. The law requires intersex children to be treated with dignity and have equal access to basic services like medical treatment and education, in addition to social protection services as a special need. It also requires the accommodation of intersex children in child protection centers and other facilities.
  • December 21
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2009, Amapa passed Law 1417 which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in housing. However, gender identity remained unprotected until 2019.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    In 2009, Amapa passed Law 1417 which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, housing and goods and services. However, there were no protections in education or healthcare. Additionally, gender identity remained unprotected in all areas.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2009, Amapa passed Law 1417 which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment. However, gender identity remained unprotected until 2019.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    On December 21st 2009, Prince Edward Island updated all mentions such as "husband and wife" and "mother and father" to be gender neutral, ensuring same-sex couples the same recognition.
  • December 10
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    The Constitutional Court ruled that one’s sexual orientation is not good grounds to terminate service in the police or the military in 2009. There are also no known legal restrictions on transgender people enlisting in the military.
  • November 13
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    In 2009, Huancavelica passed Regional Ordinance 145 which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, education, healthcare and goods and services and gender identity in education.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2009, Huancavelica passed Regional Ordinance 145 which prohibited discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation. However, gender identity remained unprotected until 2017.
  • November 3
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (limited rights).
    Opponents of the marriage equality in Maine set up a referendum to repeal it. Citizens voted 53% in favor of repealing marriage equality and 47% against, effectively un-legalizing gay marriage. Even after gay marriage was overturned in Maine, the domestic partnerships offered from 2005 were still available for gay couples.
  • October 30
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    There is no criteria against MSM donating blood in North Macedonia.
  • October 25
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Uruguay's Law on the Right to Gender Identity and Change of Name and Sex in Identification Documents was passed in 2009 and provided for legal gender recognition. While neither surgery nor medical diagnosis was required, until 2018, it had to be analysed by a civil registry specialising in gender identity for approval. On October 18, 2018, Uruguay modified the procedure in the Comprehensive Trans Law requiring the applicant to request the amendment before the Honorary Advisory Commission for Identity and Gender Change and provided self-identification.
  • October 21
    Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    Until 2021, Querétaro defined a marriage as between a man and a woman, effectively banning same-sex marriage. However, since 2015, several municipalities recognised marriage.
  • October 16
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    In 2009, the Bulgarian Identity Documents Act was amended to provide for a possibility of "changing sex" in identification documents but did not provide any requirements specified nor who could issue such documents. However, in practice, sterilisation and surgery were often required.
  • 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".
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (limited rights).
    In 2009, Nevada began offering domestic partnerships, which granted same-sex couples certain rights available to married couples, including hospital visitation, inheritance rights, and employment benefits.
  • September 28
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    In 2009, Ecuador removed the provision in its military code that stipulated that homosexuality was a reason to discharge members of the military.
  • (deleted region)
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Adoption legal for all regardless of marriage status, sexual orientation or gender identity
  • September 25
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    In 2009, Madre de Dios passed Regional Ordinance 035 which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, education, goods and services and healthcare and gender identity in education.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2009, Madre de Dios passed Regional Ordinance 035 which prohibited discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation. However, gender identity remained unprotected until 2017.
  • September 24
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2009, Ceara amended its constitution to prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation. However, gender identity remained unprotected until 2019.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    A constitutional amendment in 2009 prevented all forms of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in Ceara. However, gender identity remained unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2009, Ceara amended its constitution to prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation. However, gender identity remained unprotected until 2019.
  • August 5
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    The Law on Prohibition of Discrimination adopted on July 23, 2009 in its original version prohibited discrimination in all areas (including Housing) on the basis of "sexual expression or orientation" among other grounds.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Under federal law
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    The Law on Prohibition of Discrimination adopted on July 23, 2009 prohibited discrimination in all areas on the basis of "sexual expression or orientation" among other grounds. The law is applied at the level of the state, entities, cantons and Br?ko District. Due to the use of imprecise terms, the law was amended in 2016.
  • August 3
    Same-sex marriage becomes other type of partnership.
    In 2009, a law was passed in Wisconsin providing for a domestic partnership for same-sex couples with limited rights compared to married couples.
  • July 21
    Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    Until 2013, same-sex marriage was banned in Yucatan, as Article 94 of the state constitution states that only heterosexual couples can legally marry.
  • July 8
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • July 2
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    In the Delhi High Court case of Naz Foundation v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi, the provision of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalized sexual acts between consenting adults was struck down.
  • July 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    Civil unions are recognized since 2009, a couple in a civil union has the same rights as a married couple, however the partners can’t take each other’s surname and they can’t adopt children. Since 2012, the Constitution of Hungary has defined marriage as a union exclusively between a man and woman; effectively prohibiting same sex marriages.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes second parent adoption only.
    Joint adoption not legal at this time, only adoption of one partners existing children.
  • June 17
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    LGBT Housing discrimination are illegal
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    All discrimination (about the LGBT) are banned in Czech Republic
  • June 14
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes no censorship.
    In Durango, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics as its new Penal Code contained no mentions of homosexuality as a "corrupt habit" in its law against corruption of minors.
  • June 9
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    The French National Assembly voted to approve the extension of PACS to New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna. Article 70 of Law 2009-549 (2009) amended Article 14 of Law No. 99-944 (1999) to make the French Civil Solidarity Pact applicable to Wallis and Futuna.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (limited rights).
    In 2009, New Caledonia began to recognise civil unions in line with France's laws passed ten years ago.
  • June
    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.
  • May 28
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    The Vital Statistics Act was passed on May 28th 2009, allowing transgender individuals to change their gender marker after undergoing sex reassignment surgery. Before then, it was not possible to change it in Newfoundland and Labrador.
  • May 15
    Same-sex adoption becomes second parent adoption only.
    Only able to adopt child of the other partner
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    In 2009, Uruguay lifted the ban on LGBTIQ+ people joining the armed forces imposed by the 1973-85 military dictatorship.
  • May 6
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    On May 5th, 2009, the Maine Senate passed a bill 21-13 with one abstained. The bill redefined marriage to terms without gender references. The bill was signed into law the next day by Maine’s Governor at the time, John Baldacci.
  • May 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The Riksdag passed a gender-neutral marriage bill in 2009, making Sweden the seventh country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
  • April 24
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.
    After a court ruling the Civil Status Registry is required to allow people with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria to change their legal gender. However in January 2025, the Administrative Court of Austria ruled that the civil registry should correspond to “biological, physical sex”. However, trans Austrians can currently still change their legal gender.
  • April 22
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes fine as punishment.
    Article 564 of the Penal Code (2009) forbids the exhibition, sale, or distribution of songs, pamphlets, writings, images, emblems, or other materials “contrary to good morals”. Moreover, individuals who sing, read, recite, or speak obscenities in gatherings or public venues in the presence of multiple people are subject to a fine as punishment. In 2017, Burundi made additional amendments that effectively criminalise trans people with imprisonment under Articles 366 and 367, which criminalise "the use of such falsified, forged or altered documents" with imprisonment and a fine. This includes licenses, certificates and passports.
  • Equal age of consent becomes n/a.
    Homosexuality is illegal in Burundi.
  • Serving openly in military becomes don't ask, don't tell.
    Although there is no law explicitly prohibiting LGBTIQ+ people from serving in the military of Burundi, the criminalisation of homosexuality in 2009 inhibits the ability for them to be open about it in practice.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    Up to 2 years imprisonment and/or up to 50,000 frank fine
  • April 14
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    The current legal measures against LGBT discrimination are only limited to the public administration. Protection against LGBT discrimination in: Health: Ministerial Agreement No. 202 (2009), Law 307 (2016). Public empleoyment: Decree No. 56 (2010). Clinical practice for students: Law 227 (2019) Education: Law 431 (2022). Hate crime law includes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • April 10
    LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
    On April 9th, 2009, The Court of Appeal, which is the second highest court in Fiji, made a decision saying that the 2006 Fijian coup d'état, where the government of Laisenia Qarase was taken out of power and replaced with military rule, was illegal. President Iloilo issued a statement the following day (April 10th, 2009) saying, "I hereby confirm I have abrogated the 1997 constitution and appointed myself as head of state in the new order." Iloilo immediately assumed all political power in the country. Fiji then was without a Constitution until September 6th, 2013, and so there were no protections against discrimination towards sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • April 7
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    The Law on Prohibition of Discrimination from 2009 prohibits discrimination in all areas, but there was no specific article dealing with Housing during this period.
  • 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.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Article 16 of the Anti-Discrimination Law from 2009 bans labour discrimination. Discrimination is prohibited on basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics among others.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    On 26 March 2009, Serbian parliament approved a unified anti-discrimination law, known as the Prohibition of Discrimination Act of 2009, which prohibits, among other categories, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics in all areas.
  • April 3
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2009, nearly 2 years after the District Court’s ruling was stayed, the Supreme Court of Iowa unanimously upheld Judge Hanson’s ruling that denying marriage to same-sex couples is unconstitutional.
  • March 20
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes no censorship.
    In Sinaloa, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics since the removal of homosexuality as a "corrupt habit" in its law against corruption of minors.
  • 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 9
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    In 2009, Ayacucho passed Regional Ordinance 010 which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, education, goods and services and healthcare and gender identity in education.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2009, Ayacucho passed Regional Ordinance 010 which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment. However, gender identity remained unprotected until 2017.
  • March 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (5-year deferral).
    Since March 2009, the NZBS has used a 5-year deferral. In 2013, the NZBS reviewed the criteria, and improvements were implemented the following year.
  • February 28
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Salta under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Salta, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Salta.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Chubut under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. In 2019, Chubut would pass Law XV-No. 27, which prohibits incitement of hatred on the basis of sexual orientation. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Chubut, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Chubut.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in La Rioja under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in La Rioja, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Later in 2021, La Rioja would ban all forms of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Santa Cruz under federal Argentine law. In 2021, Santa Cruz passed the Comprehensive Law on the Recognition and Historical Reparation of the Rights of Transgender People which prohibited all forms of discrimination on the basis of gender identity. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected outside of healthcare.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in San Luis under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in San Luis, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in San Luis.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Misiones under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Misiones, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Misiones.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Neuquen under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Neuquen, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Neuquen.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Tierra del Fuego under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Tierra del Fuego, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Tierra del Fuego.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Tucuman under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Tucuman, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Tucuman.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Mendoza under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Mendoza, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Mendoza.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in La Pampa under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in La Pampa, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in La Pampa.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Jujuy under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Jujuy, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Jujuy.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Formosa under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Formosa, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Formosa.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Entre Rios under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Entre Rios, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Entre Rios.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Corrientes under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Corrientes, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Corrientes.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Catamarca under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Catamarca, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Catamarca.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Since 2009, LGBTIQ+ people are protected in the military code of Argentina. In 2009, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in healthcare in Santa Fe under federal Argentine law. However, gender identity remains unprotected. Conversely, in 2021, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Santa Fe, also under federal Argentine law, but sexual orientation remains unprotected. Outside of those contexts, there are no discrimination protections provided to LGBTIQ+ people in Santa Fe.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Argentina recognizes international convention on human rights. LGBT individuals are explicitly protected in the military code in 2009 but are not explicitly included in the general discrimination protection code except for sexual orientation in healthcare. Since 2015, some regions like Buenos Aires City have provided complete protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Following a military reform law by the Argentine parliament, LGBTIQ+ people can serve in the military since 2009.
  • February 25
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2009, Michoacán added gender identity as a protected characteristic in its anti-discrimination law, including in housing.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2009, Michoacán added gender identity as a protected characteristic in its anti-discrimination law, including in employment.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2009, Michoacan added gender identity as a protected characteristic in its anti-discrimination law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes varies by region.
    Since 2009, several states and Mexico City have been adding gender identity as a protected characteristic to its anti discrimination laws. Sexual orientation remains protected under federal Mexican law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes varies by region.
    Since 2003, the Federal Law to Prevent and Eliminate Discrimination has defined in Article 9, sections III and IV, the following as acts of negative discrimination: • Prohibiting the free choice of employment or restricting opportunities for access, retention, and promotion within it. • Creating differences in wages, benefits, and working conditions for equal work. This is directly related to sexual orientation, as the former Article 4 of this law (renumbered as Article 1, section III after the 2022 reform) explicitly includes it as a basis for potential discrimination. Subsequently, in 2014, section V was added to the same Article 9, stating that creating differences in wages, benefits, and working conditions for equal work is also considered another act of negative discrimination. In 2012, Article 2 of the Mexican Federal Labour Law was amended to explicitly include sexual orientation in the list of factors for which employers, both public and private, must not discriminate against their workers. This reform aimed to foster dignified working environments that uphold human dignity. Similarly, Article 3 was also revised to state that work is a right and a social responsibility; it is not a commodity. Therefore, no discriminatory practices based on workers' sexual orientation may be allowed. Likewise, since then, Article 56 has stipulated that working conditions may never be less favourable than those established by the Law and must be proportional to the importance of the services provided and equal for equal work, with no differences or exclusions based on sexual orientation. Since 2009, states have been provided further protections based on gender identity.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes varies by region.
    Article 1(3) of the Federal Act to Prevent and Eliminate Discrimination (2003) includes “sexual preferences” as one of the prohibited grounds of discrimination. This law applies to housing as per Article 9(XXI). Gender identity is not explicitly mentioned but some states provide protections on the basis of gender identity as well since 2009.
  • February 10
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes imprisonment as punishment.
    Discussions surrounding LGBTIQ+ topics are heavily restricted and subjected to harassment and violence by both state and non-state actors in South Sudan. Additionally, the 2008 Penal Code criminalises “any male person who dresses or is attired in the fashion of a woman” in public with three months in prison under Section 379, effectively criminalising the gender expression of trans women and cross dressers.
  • February 6
    Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    The 2008 " RECORDING OF MARRIAGE ACT" (taking effect the next year) specifically refers to a "male" and a "female" partner.
  • February 5
    Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    The 2009 Constitution of Bolivia contains Article 63, which defines a marriage as being between “una mujer y un hombre” (a woman and a man), effectively banning same-sex marriage.
  • 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)
    Gender-affirming care becomes restricted.
    Some may happen however it requires the approval of authorities and transgender people even after transition face abuse from peers and police alike. Additionally trans people are not allowed to make the pilgrimage to Mecca. However since 2014, Saudi Arabia has passed multiple medical directives to ensure that only intersex people have access to such care while criminalising it for trans people.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    The so called Civil Code (Law no. 287/2009) places a statutory ban on same-sex marriage in Romania.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Requirements for transgender people to change their legal gender on their birth certificate vary by county. In some locations sex reassignment surgery is required, while other locations only require that the individual has received “appropriate treatment” according to a physician.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.
    Requires a gender recognition document. Additionally, you must have the consent of your married parnter
  • January 1
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Article 8 of the Anti-Discrimination Law from 2008 bans labour discrimination. Discrimination is prohibited on basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression among others.
  • 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
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2009, a constitutional order came into effect in the Falkland Islands, prohibiting discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation. However, gender identity remains unprotected.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    In 2009, a constitutional amendment went into effect in the Falkland Islands prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. However, gender identity remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    According to the 2008 Constitution Order in effect in 2009, rejecting employment due to sexual orientation is illegal in the Falkland Islands.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Article 8 of the Anti-Discrimination Act from 2008 bans discrimination in Housing. Discrimination is prohibited on basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression among others.
  • (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.
    The Constitution prohibits any kind of discrimination (but it is unclear how it applies to LGBT people). The Equal Treatment Act only prohibits discrimination in employment, not in the general provision of goods and services.
  • 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.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    On July 9, 2008, the Croatian Parliament approved a unified anti-discrimination law, known as Law on Suppression of Discrimination which prohibits, among other categories, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression in all areas.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    Ethiopia's federal law places a statutory ban on same-sex marriage.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    In Norway, until 2018, only married couples were able to adopt. In 2009 same-sex Norwegians were given the right to marry and therefore to adopt.
  • (date unknown)
    Same-sex adoption becomes ambiguous.
    Cambodia banned adoption by gay and lesbian foreigners. It is unclear if gay and lesbian Cambodians could adopt.
  • January 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2009, same-sex couples were granted marriage rights, making Norway the sixth country in the world to recognise same-sex marriage. Norway was also the first Nordic sovereign state to approve gay marriage.

LGBT Organizations Founded in 2009

  • New Hampshire Freedom To Marry Coalition FaviconNew Hampshire Freedom To Marry Coalition
    New Hampshire, United States
    New Hampshire Freedom to Marry is New Hampshire's statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) education and advocacy organization.
  • NOH8 Campaign FaviconNOH8 Campaign
    Global
    The NOH8 Campaign is a charitable organization whose mission is to promote marriage, gender and human equality through education, advocacy, social media, and visual protest.
  • Equaldex FaviconEqualdex
    Global
    Equaldex is a collaborative knowledge base for the LGBT movement. The site aims to crowdsource every law related to LGBT rights to provide a comprehensive and global view of the…
  • Coalition Advocating for the Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (CAISO) FaviconCoalition Advocating for the Inclusion of Sexual Orientation (CAISO)
    Trinidad and Tobago
    CAISO seeks to operate as an umbrella or coalition framework that provides a politics (strategic thinking, values) and a brand to enable GLBT political advocacy and social change…
  • Equality Hawai'i FaviconEquality Hawai'i
    Hawaii, United States
    Equality Hawaii is dedicated to securing equality for Hawaii's lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender community.
  • LGBT Voice Tanzania FaviconLGBT Voice Tanzania
    Tanzania
    The mission of LGBT VOICE is to promote, support, defend and protect the interests and the general well-being of Gay, Lesbians, bisexual and Transgender people in Tanzania
  • The Youth Empowerment Foundation-TYEF FaviconThe Youth Empowerment Foundation-TYEF
    Uganda
    The youth Empowerment Foundation (TYEF) is a Non- Governmental Organization that was formed in 2009, and not yet registered. TYEF was started with the mandate of Capacity…
  • Positive Voice FaviconPositive Voice
    Greece
    The Association aims to defend the rights of HIV-positive people, tackle the spread of HIV / AIDS, as well as limit its social and economic impact in Greece.
  • Rainbow School FaviconRainbow School
  • Transvida FaviconTransvida
    Costa Rica
    Eng: NGO that advocates for the rights of transsexual people, that has made a voice for the approval of relevant laws of gender identity; focused…
  • Deystvie FaviconDeystvie
    Bulgaria
    Deystvie is an organization dedicated to bringing change to the lives of LGBTI people in Bulgaria. Our vision is to accomplish full rights recognized by the law, and to gain full…
  • Stowarzyszenie Miłość Nie Wyklucza FaviconStowarzyszenie Miłość Nie Wyklucza
  • Gej Lezbejski Info Centar FaviconGej Lezbejski Info Centar
    Serbia
    Strengthening and building the LGBT community through information, creating LGBT media and organizing cultural and artistic events.
  • Aleanca LGBT FaviconAleanca LGBT
    Albania
    Combat discrimination and promote equality for individuals who identify as LGBT.