2013 in LGBT Rights

In 2013, there were 105 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 108 changes made and 159 in the following year. A total of 1450 legal changes were made in the 2010s.

  • December 21
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under the election reform law.
  • December 19
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    State's highest court rules gay marriage ban unconstitutional
  • December 18
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of not requiring surgery to change one's gender on official documents.
  • December 11
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    There are currently several same-sex marriage petitions pending with the courts. On 12 June 2020, the Uttarakhand High Court acknowledged that while same-sex marriage may not be legal, cohabitation and "live-in relationships" are protected by the law.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    In the Supreme Court case of Suresh Kumar Koushal v. Naz Foundation, a two-judge Division Bench overturned the Delhi High Court's decision in Naz Foundation v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi, upholding the constitutionality of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized same-sex sexual intercourse and carried a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • December 9
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Not required since 2015. Missing non binary options on documents.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Still the same as before, it requires psychiatric evaluations and sexual reassignment surgeries for an individual's gender identity to be recognized. On September 23 2021, the court ruled against surgery requirements for transgender individuals seeking a gender marker change. New laws have yet to be passed on this regard.
  • December 2
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Gay couples tie the knot in Hawaii as same-sex marriage law kicks in
  • December 1
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    .
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    .
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    .
  • November 27
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    .
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    .
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    .
  • November 20
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2013, Illinois legalized same-sex marriage.
  • November 15
    Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    Legally married same sex couples from outside the state can file joint tax returns, analogous with the state recognizing their union. The actual state of marriage is still currently in question.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes ambiguous.
    Same-sex marriage celebrated via judicial proceedings / court order.
  • November 12
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Vietnamese government said that they are trying to get a bill passed. Gay marriage pending and Gay Union pending.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Proposition 110 still states that same sex union is not legal. However, it removed all penalty involved with marriage ceremony or attempts to register, effectively de-criminalizing the act.
  • November 11
    Right to change legal gender becomes ambiguous.
    Changes in the sex on legal documents are only allowed for Hijras, Intersex, and Third Gender citizens
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    The Bangladeshi government has acknowledged a third gender (hijra), and is allowed to be legally registered as a gender.
  • October 22
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Gay marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Passed in ACT only but overturned by the High Court
  • October 10
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Until 2013 discrimination was only illegal in the workplace. In 2013, the Cypriot Penal Code has been amended to make violence against LGBT people an aggravating factor in sentencing. Article 99 of the code, entitled "Incitment to violence or hatred due to sexual orientation or gender identity", provides for imprisonment not exceeding three years or to a fine not exceeding 5,000 euros for any person who "intentionally, publicly or in manner which is threatening or insulting or offensive in nature, urges or incites, orally or in writing, violence or hatred against a group, person, or a member of a group of persons on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity".
  • September 27
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2013, New Jersey legalized same-sex marriage.
  • September 19
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Hate speech banned. Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2013.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Not all clinics/hospitals follow this law.
  • September 13
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    under the anti-discrimination law. also the 2013 admentment.
  • August 19
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    legal for same sex couples
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Law was changed upon the passing of the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act in 2013, which included the amendment under section 5 clarifying the meaning of marriage to "the union of 2 people, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity".
  • August 8
    Same-sex marriage becomes ambiguous.
    Same-sex marriage celebrated via judicial proceedings / court order.
  • August
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Nationwide.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Conversion therapy was banned by the state legislature and signed into law by the governor in August of 2013. It was contested in court and the ban was upheld by the courts.
  • August 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2013, Rhode Island legalized same-sex marriage.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill into law overturning a previous law which banned marriage between anyone other than one man and one woman.
  • July 31
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    .
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    .
  • July 29
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    Discrimination against all social groups is prohibited, including LGBT people, although this is not directly mentioned, but refers to “all other social groups”
  • July 22
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (5-year deferral).
    Health Canada changed the indefinite deferral period to a 5-year deferral, effective July 22, 2013.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    According to Canadian Blood Bank.
  • July 17
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Legal and recognised in Liverpool
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2013, Parliament passed the Marriage Act that introduced same sex marriage for couples in England this extended to salford
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2013, Parliament passed the Marriage Act that introduced same sex marriage for couples in England. This extends to Manchester.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2013, Parliament passed the Marriage Act that introduced same sex marriage for couples in England.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Legal from March 13th 2014
  • July 4
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under Bermudas anti discrimination law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under Bermuda's anti discrimination law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    The Human Rights bill is amended to include protection clauses for sexual orientation (but not gender identity explicitly)
  • July 3
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    .
  • July 2
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    Adoption is being regulated by the Civil Procedure Code of Russia (Chapter 29); Family Code of Russia (Chapter 19); Federal Law On Acts of Civil Status (Chapter V). None of these documents contain any direct restriction or ban for homosexual people to ado
  • July 1
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes varies by region.
    Australia does have recognition of nonbinary gender through the X marker on legal documentation. However it's not recognised in new south wales
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under the Cook Island Criminal Code.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    only in employment.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    one of the conditions for entering the pacific agreement. Section 55(e) of the Employment Relations Act 2012
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2013, Delaware legalized same-sex marriage.
  • June 28
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    as being a territory of Australia.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    as being a territory of Australia.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status) Act 2013
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2013, California legalized same-sex marriage.
  • June 17
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Legal for LGBT since 2013
  • June 11
    Censorship of LGBT Issues becomes fine as punishment.
    In 2013, Russia introduced a law known as "for the Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating for a Denial of Traditional Family Values" (known worldwide as the "gay propaganda law") which prohibits the promotion of homosexual topics. According to the Russian government, this law is aimed to "protect" children from being exposed to homosexuality, since it goes against "traditional family values." Foreigners who break this law can be arrested and detained for up to 15 days (or fined up to 5,000 rubles) and then deported.
  • June 10
    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.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    People are protected from discrimination based upon both sexual orientation and gender identification.
  • May 29
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    as being a territory of USA.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Pursuant to NRS 201.195, the law prohibiting sexual contact with minors 16+ has been repealed. NRS 201.195.2 previously disallowed homosexual persons under the age of 18 from having sexual contact, but allowed heterosexual couples aged 16+ to attain such acts. In May 29, 2013, that subsection was repealed, and the law applied equally to both Homosexual and Heterosexual persons aged 16+
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Law does not protect against property rentals.
  • May 22
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Homophobia is now considered hate speech, though some policies haven’t been filled like in the west
  • May 18
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Fully Legal since 2013.
  • May 17
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Marriage is legal since 2013
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Legal since 2013
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    As being an oversees department of France.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    French Law Applies.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Under French law.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    As being a territory of France.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    French law applies
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Being a French collective, french law applies here
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    According to French laws.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Same-sex couples have been legally able to adopt children since May 2013, when the same-sex marriage law took effect. The first joint adoption by a same-sex couple was announced on 18 October 2013.
  • May 16
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Following a resolution by the National Council of Justice (CNJ), any same-sex union can be converted into a marriage. It was approved on May 14 and came into force on May 16.
  • May 14
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Nationwide.
  • May 13
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Hong Kong Supreme Court ruled that post-operative transsexuals could change their legal gender for purposes including marriage.
  • May 7
    Serving openly in military becomes lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned.
    Hate crime law allows LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly without discrimination in the military however transgenders aren't.
  • May 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    The Colorado General Assembly passed SB-11, the Colorado Civil Union Act.
  • April 24
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    The Chilean Health Ministry repeals the blood ban after a year of lobbying by the country's leading LGBT organization, Chilean Homosexual Integration and Liberation Movement (MOVILH).
  • April 19
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • April 18
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Though the US Supreme Court and the Montana Supreme Court both ruled the law unconstitutional and unenforceable as early as 2003, it remained on the books until officially removed on 4/18/2013.
  • April 17
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Follows from French laws
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • April 14
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
  • April 10
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage became legal in Uruguay after the passing of the Equal Marriage Act. Uruguay became the twelfth country in the world to legalize gay marriage and the second Latin American country, after Argentina.
  • April 2
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Set age.
  • April
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • February 22
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under hundras criminal code.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Article 321 of the penal code was amended to protect LGBT individual from discrimination. Implementation of this law however has not yet been found.
  • February 19
    Same-sex adoption becomes step-child adoption only.
    Same-sex couples in Germany can legally adopt a step-child, biological or not of the other partner.
  • February 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    A same sex couple can adopt through the agency they're adopting their child at or through an independent adoption.
  • January 9
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.
    Legal gender recognition is available in Sweden under the Law on Gender Determination in Certaing Cases (Law No. 1972:119) (1972). Although it has been reformed several times, it still includes pathologizing requirements such as medical diagnosis and a "real life" test. Applications are made to the National Health and Welfare Board. They must be accompanied by a medical report stating that the person has undergone the primary “investigation”, via psychiatrist, to confirm the “diagnosis of transsexualism”. (ILGA)