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2015 in LGBT Rights

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In 2015, there were 159 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 161 changes made and 183 in the following year. A total of 1411 legal changes were made in the 2010s.

  • December 24
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Greece prohibits discrimination and hate crimes based on sex characteristics, which are among the strongest laws on the subject in Europe
  • December 23
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    A bill for the legalization of same-sex marriages was approved by the state Congress on 17 December in a 26–1 vote with 1 abstention. The law was published in the official state journal on 22 December and took effect the following day.
  • Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female uncertain.
    In Greece, homosexuality was a criminal offence up until 1951. "Incest against nature" (between men) was punished under Article 347 of the Penal Code. This article was abolished with an amendment that was voted on December 23, 2015
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The Civil Union act also equalized the age of consent at 15
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    In December 23, 2015, the Hellenic Parliament voted with 193 votes (56 against and 51 abstentions), the law on the extension of the cohabitation agreement to homosexual couples.
  • December 22
    Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female legal.
    Punishment of 2- 3 years in prison. not enforced. Decriminalization pending. Backed by Tunisian Prime Minister. Included in the Human peace accord. It is under the reform by the Tunisian Commission.
  • December 21
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one-year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blood donation centers followed the non-binding FDA one-year deferral guidance.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    FDA issued a new directive allowing for blood donation after a 1 year deferral.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    After a series of recommendations, the FDA has moved to a 12 months deferral.
  • December 17
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    .
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    .
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    .
  • December 9
    Conversion therapy becomes ambiguous.
    In five cities. it is banned federally under the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act which was signed by Obama. Conversion therapy ban pending state wide.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    On 26 November 2015, a civil union bill was passed by the House of Representatives with 39 in favour, 12 against and 3 abstentions. The law was published on 9 December 2015, and took effect that same day.
  • December 7
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    “Gender identity and gender expression” were added by Bill 7, the Alberta Human Rights Amendment Act which received royal assent in 2015.
  • December 3
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Ireland has removed their religious exceptions for anti-gay discrimination, making it completely illegal now.
  • November 26
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    New announcement made by the Justice Ministers means transgender people will be able to change their name and gender on official IDs. It is unclear whether surgery will be required or not.
  • November 16
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Marriage Equality) Bill 2015 (bill no.5 of 2015)
  • November 13
    Right to change legal gender becomes ambiguous.
    Unrecognized
  • November 12
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under the Ukrainian Parliament.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    LGBT discrimination is prohibited at the employment level
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    The Ukraine parliament voted to change the country's labor code to include protection against employment discrimination regardless of "race, colour, political, religious and other beliefs, sex gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic, social and foreign origin, age, health, disability, or suspected presence of HIV/AIDS, family and property status, family responsibilities, place of residence, or participation in a strike."
  • November 4
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Previously couples could only adopt a child if it was from one of the partners, but the same-sex adoption law allows homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexual couples.
  • October 28
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (3-month deferral).
    Deferral changed from 12 months to 4 months.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    12-month deferral for males who have sex with male
  • October 22
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    Legalization Pending. it is in the same bill that is legalizing gay adoption.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions.
    Since 2015, same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples have the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples, within a civil union - except for adoption rights and the title of marriage.
  • October 21
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • October 15
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Legally nationwide.
  • October 8
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    The Indonesian police authorities ruled an order since 2015 that it would process any hate speech related to sexual orientation or gender.
  • October 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Not required since June 3, 2015 Under the Amendment to the Vital Statistics Act. As well under Federal Law.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Before October 1st, a proof of surgery was required. With Bill n°35 : An Act to amend the Civil Code as regards civil status, successions and the publication of rights, it's not required anymore. ''SECTION IV CHANGE OF DESIGNATION OF SEX 71. Every person whose sexual identity does not correspond to the designation of sex that appears in that person's act of birth may, if the conditions prescribed by this Code and by government regulation have been met, have that designation and, if necessary, the person's given names changed. These changes may in no case be made dependent on the requirement to have undergone any medical treatment or surgical operation whatsoever.'' (Civil Code of Québec) To qualify to change the sex designation appearing on your act of birth, you must: - be 18 years of age or over; - hold Canadian citizenship; - be domiciled in Québec for at least one year. If you were born in Québec but live elsewhere, you may also qualify to change your sex designation if you show that such an amendment is not possible in the province or country in which you are domiciled. If you qualify to apply, you must complete the Application to Change the Sex Designation Appearing on an Act of Birth form and provide the documents indicated on the form. In particular, you must provide an affidavit in which you affirm: - that the designation of sex requested is the designation that best corresponds your sexual identity; - that you assume that sexual identity and intend to continue doing so; - that you understand the seriousness of the undertaking; - that your undertaking is voluntary and your consent is given in a free and enlightened manner. You must also include: - the affidavit of a person of full age who attests to having known you for at least one year and who confirms that you are fully aware of the seriousness of your application; - if you have already obtained a change of the designation of sex that appears in your act of birth, you must also include a letter from a physician, a psychologist, a psychiatrist or a sexologist authorized to practice in Canada or in the State in which you are domiciled, who declares having evaluated or followed you and is of the opinion that the change of the designation is appropriate having regard to the affidavit you made in support of your initial application. (Directeur de l'état civil Québec, change of sex designation)
  • September 16
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    Under federal regulation.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    Under federal regulation.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    In 2015, the ban on blood donations by MSMs was lifted.
  • August 24
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    Not criminalized.
  • August 20
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    A court in Tours ruled in favour of an intersex plaintiff who sought to have a third gender option recognised on official identification documents.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    The Governor signed into law banning conversation therapy for youth. THe law will go into effect on January 1st, 2016.
  • August 15
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
  • Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
  • July 23
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    A Supreme Court decision overruled the surgery requirement to change one's legal gender.
  • July 16
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that “[A]llegations of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation necessarily state a claim of discrimination on the basis of sex”, and are barred by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This ruling applies at both the state and federal level. Furthermore, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled on April 20, 2012 that an employer who discriminates against an employee or applicant on the basis of the person’s gender identity is violating the prohibition on sex discrimination contained in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  • July 15
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    For adults over 18, individuals can change their legal gender without a surgery. However, for individuals between the age of 16-18, there is a "route to recognition"
  • July 10
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-Sex Marriage became legal in the Mexican state of Guerrero on July 10,2015.
  • July 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes ambiguous.
    No Laws in Place.
  • June 30
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Although not explicitly mentioned in the penal code, the justice minister clarified that homosexuality is not an offence in Mozembique. New penal code explicitly removed "crimes against nature", leaving no ground whatsoever for homosexuality to be illegal. It is expected to go into effect June 29th, 2015.
  • June 26
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    There are no laws prohibiting Ohio same-sex adoption. Both single LGBT individuals and gay and lesbian couples are permitted to petition to adopt in the state of Ohio. Prior to the Supreme Court legalizing gay marriage in 2015, only single LGBT individuals could adopt. However, since then, same-sex couples are permitted to adopt in Ohio.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Puerto Rico legalizes gay marriage after US Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage. Shortly after the ruling, Alejandro Garcia Padilla, the governor of Puerto Rico, signed an executive order requiring government agencies to be compliant with the ruling.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Every state has had same sex marriage legal since 2015.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The US Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In a ruling by the US Supreme Court, all 50 states must now issue marriage licenses for same sex couples and recognize same-sex marriages performed in any state.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    After a 5-4 vote in Supreme Court attempts by conservative states to ban same-sex marriage were overturned making it legal across the USA.
  • June 19
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    Conversion therapy ban pending.
  • June 12
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    .
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Legalized in 2015.
  • June 10
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Gay Marriage and Unions Pending.
  • June 4
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    In response to two rulings of the Constitutional Court in 2015, the Colombian Government issued a decree on 4 June 2015 to simplify the process by which adults over 18 can legally change their gender. The decree, signed by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of the Interior, says the gender change is justified by a person's individual choice; it eliminates the requirement for psychiatric or physical examinations.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    On June 4, Ontario unanimously passed a Bill 77 "Affirming Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Act" banning "any practice that seeks to change or direct the sexual orientation or gender identity of a patient under 18 years of age, including efforts to change or direct the patient's behavior or gender expression."
  • June 1
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    .
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    .
  • May 27
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Greenland parliament unanimously approves same sex marriage
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Parliament unanimously approved same sex marriage
  • May 22
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    First province to ban it.
  • May 19
    Conversion therapy becomes ambiguous.
    Conversion therapy is banned for Minors. Technically conversion therapy is not banned for adults though close to all professional guidelines prohibits it.
  • May 18
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Became legal on April 12, 2018. The news is from HRC and Pink news.
  • May 17
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    In addition to the existing HIV/AIDS law, public workers are now also protected. Within federal agencies, same sex partnerships are also required to be recognized as a family when requesting time off for spousal medical emergencies.
  • May 15
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    After suggestions from the British government and approval by local council, same sex marriage is now legal.
  • May 12
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    Conversion therapy ban pending.
  • Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    No laws in place. As well their is still the attitude that homosexuality is a disease. Conversion therapy ban pending.
  • May 10
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Legal, but requires surgery and sterilization.
  • April 20
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2015, a labor reform made it illegal for employers to discriminate against people due to their sexual orientation.
  • April 4
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    As Same Sex Marriage is now fully legal, same sex couples can adopt children. One month before it became legal, same sex couples can also adopt children.
  • April 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    Legalization pending. Required by 2018 IACHR Ruling.
  • March 13
    Conversion therapy becomes ambiguous.
    Only banned in few cities. State conversion therapy ban pending.
  • March 12
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Discrimination on grounds of housing and employment is prohibited for both sexual orientations and gender identities
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Anti discrimination bill in housing and employment for sexual orientations and gender identities passes and becomes law
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    LGBT Anti discrimination bill in housing and employment passes and becomes law
  • March 10
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In Bill 10, a bill ensuring the right of students to form gay-straight alliances in Alberta schools, amendments were added before it was passed adding protection of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to the Alberta Bill of Rights. Bill 10 goes into effect on June 1, 2015. The Alberta Human Rights Act has not yet been explicitly modified to include gender identity and gender expression, though they continue to be read in implicitly by the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
  • March 6
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    No information.
  • March 4
    Same-sex marriage becomes other type of partnership.
    Same sex marriage was legalized by the parliament. However, this measure was defeated in a referendum on December 20th, 2015.
  • March 2
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    March ended the long legal fight to same sex adoption with same sex couples now allowed to become foster parents, completely equalizing their rights to adopt
  • March
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    The Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act removed the need for trans people in Malta to undergo surgery, sterilization and obtain a diagnosis of mental illness in order to legally change their gender.
  • February 12
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    After the ban on same sex marriage was found to be unconstitutional, federal judge ordered that marriage licenses be issued.
  • February 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Since 2015. NDP in Manitoba are trying to get gender neutral documents.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Proof of surgery is no longer required to change one's gender on official documents
  • January 26
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Under the Revision of the Thai Criminal Code.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under the revision of Thailand Criminal Code.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under Thailand Criminal Code.
  • January 21
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, surgery not required.
    Israelis can now change their legal gender without sex-reassignment surgery as ordered by the Supreme Court
  • January 20
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    The law defines marriage as "a union between a man and a woman".
  • January 16
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Gender identity is now an explicit protected ground in the labour code.
  • January 14
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Same sex couples can have the same right to adopt as different-sex couples

LGBT Organizations Founded in 2015

  • Grupa Stonewall FaviconGrupa Stonewall
    Poland
    The Stonewall Group was founded on 22 May 2015. We are an LGBT+ organization based in the Wielkopolska region. Our association is for people who support equal rights for…