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2017 in LGBT Rights

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In 2017, there were 270 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 153 changes made and 117 in the following year. A total of 1750 legal changes were made in the 2010s.

  • December 23
    Same-sex adoption becomes illegal.
    While there is no laws criminalizing same sex couples, we have considered it to be illegal becouse there was never a successful adoption by an LGBTQ personnel in Djibouti.
  • December 22
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes varies by region.
    In 2017, the municipality of Pau dos Ferros became the first in Rio Grande Do Norte to censor LGBT topics or issues, since then at least one locality has followed.
  • December 20
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.
    In 2017, Hungary relaunched the process for legal gender recognition and did not require surgery, but it did require a medical diagnosis. However, even with these restrictions, there were reports that the government did not follow these requirements in practice by continuing to refuse recognition.
  • December 13
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes varies by region.
    The localities of Araripina and Garanhuns both banned in 2017 the discussion of "gender ideology" or similar.
  • December 9
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Under federal Australian law (to which the Keeling Islands are subject), same-sex marriage has been legal since 2017.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • December 4
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes varies by region.
    In 2017, the locality of Sousa became the first in Paraíba to censor LGBT topics. At least two more did the same in the next year.
  • December 1
    Conversion therapy becomes sexual orientation only.
    The same judge changed his decision, keeping the “treatment” banned.
  • December
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In December of 2017, the St Helena Council passed, in a 9-2 vote, a bill permitting same-sex marriage.
  • November 29
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In early May 2017, the National Council approved a motion calling on all restrictions on gay and bisexual men donating blood to be lifted. According to the National Council, only risky behaviour should be a factor for blood donation, not one's sexual orientation. The motion, introduced by the Conservative Democrats, was approved 97–89.[66] However, this was rejected by the Council of States on 29 November 2017.[67] The 1 year deferral period for gay and bisexual men donating blood therefore remains in place.
  • November 28
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes varies by region.
    Scotland and England adopted a 3-month deferral period before Wales, which did so the next year and Northern Ireland two years later. This meant there was a variation in policy within the UK from when England and Scotland changed their policy and when Northern Ireland did.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).
    In 2017, England adopted new regulations allowing men to only need to wait 3 months after sex with another man to give blood.
  • November 23
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Federal Adoption of Children Legislation Amendment (Equality) Bill 2017
  • November 17
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Haiti does have a small armed forces. There is nothing to suggest LGBT individuals can't enlist in the military but there are also no known cases of LGBT individuals in the Haitian Armed Forces.
  • November 8
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes varies by region.
    In 2017, Arapongas became the first locality to prohibit “gender ideology,” “orienting the sexuality of students” and similar. Since then, some localities have done the same, some of which (notably Londrina's and Cascavel's) have been overturned in 2020 by the supreme court on the basis of unconstitutionality. In 2023, a state law would be passed to ban non-binary and gender-neutral language in schools across the whole state.
  • November 3
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Legalized in 2017
  • November 1
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    There are explicit legal protections against hate speech based on sexual orientation in the media. Section 10.2(2) on "Violence and Hate speech" of the Broadcasting Guidelines Services 2017. It apply to all Radio and Television broadcasting service providers. Section 8(1)(d) of The Broadcasting (Content) Guidelines 2022. It apply to all broadcasters and content service providers.
  • November
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).
    Scotland (as did England), in November 2017, replaced the 1-year deferral period with a shorter, 3-month deferral period for men who have sex with men donating blood.
  • October 23
    Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    The Supreme Court of Nepal issued its judgement, ruling that under Rule 8(1)(h) of the Immigration Rules a foreign national who submits a valid marriage license with a Nepali citizen is eligible to obtain an "NT Visa" as a dependant. The Supreme Court further ruled that the Immigration Rules do not specify that a foreign national applying for an NT Visa must either be of the same or opposite gender. Foreign same-sex spouses of Nepali citizens are now eligible to obtain an NT Visa as a dependant.
  • October 19
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Hawaii allows all couples, including same-sex couples, to adopt.
  • October 16
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    There is full discrimination protections in the city of Birmingham, Montevallo. Full state employment discrimination protections pending. Also protected under Section VII, as well under the case of Glenn v. Brumby.
  • October 15
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Surgery is not required under state or federal law.
  • October 10
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    To change one's legal gender in Greece, the legal requirement is only a court order. Non-binary people are to choose male or female. Forced divorce was also required if the person was married, before same-sex marriage was legal in Greece.
  • October 5
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. This left only sexual orientation protections at the state level.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No protections exist at the state level.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No protections exist at the state level, and the 2016 state ban on local areas banning discrimination quietly expired and was not renewed.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No protections exist at the state level.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No private sector, statewide protections exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No state protections exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. Sexual orientation protections still existed at the state and federal levels, however.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No statewide protections.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination.
  • Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    On 5 October 2017, the Minister of Education and Science Enrique Riera signed Resolution N° 29664, which prohibits the use of printed and digital materials referring to "gender theory and/or ideology" in educational institutions. Enrique Riera later said he would volunteer to "burn the books in a public square if they contained gender ideology". The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights expressed its concern about the decision and declared that "these types of measures represent a serious omission of the duty of the State to protect children from all forms of violence and discrimination, in all spheres, and especially in school". Additionally, there are also cases of the police disproportionately using loitering laws on LGBTIQ+ people and targeting them in public spaces for document verification.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No statewide protections exist; some were proposed, but all failed in committee.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2018, the new Democratic Governor, Laura Kelly, reinstated the 2007 executive order prohibiting discrimination by the state government in areas of employment. No other statewide protections exist. President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No state protections exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. Executive branch employees of the state are protected based on sexual orientation only under state law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. State law provides protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation only.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No protections existed at the state level.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No private sector protections exist; however, in 2019, Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order prohibiting discrimination in all areas of employment by the state government or by any contractors or grant recipients.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No state protections exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No statewide protections exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination; no state discrimination protections exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No statewide protections exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No state protections exsist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No statewide protections exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No statewide protections exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No statewide protections exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. Statewide protections do not exist in private enterprise.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No statewide protections exist.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    President Trump's Department of Justice and the EEOC revoked protections for gender identity in employment discrimination. No state protections exist.
  • October 3
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    In Azerbaijan, there are several reports of crackdowns of LGBTQ+ people.
  • October 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes other type of partnership.
    Since October 1st, 2017, a system has been available for all adult citizens called “guardianship appointment”. The system grants couples some limited rights related to assets, wealth and inheritance. Same-sex couples who are eligible are permitted to register.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Section 1741 of the German Civil Code grants all married couples the right to adopt children.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    A bill for marriage equality passed the Bundestag on 30 June 2017 and the Bundesrat on 7 July, becoming law on 1 October. Paragraph 1353 of the German Civil Code.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Since June 1, 2015. Also under Bill C-16. As well there is a hate crime unit investigating complaints.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under the Bill 7 of Alberta legislature. As well under Bill C-16.
  • September 29
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal.
    Gender affirming care is not banned and the right to a legal gender change became recognized on this date.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    In 2017, before Botswana's High Court, a transgender man and a transgender woman each successfully contested the Registrar of National Registration's refusal to amend the gender marker on their identity documents. Both individuals invoked Section 16 of the National Registration Act (Act No. 26) (1986), which empowers the Registrar to alter any particulars of a registered person and issue new identity documentation in the event of a significant change in circumstances. These landmark cases have established a precedent for other transgender individuals seeking to update their gender markers on official documents. Subsequently, following the court's rulings, at least 10 transgender individuals have been able to amend their legal gender markers without resorting to legal action.
  • September 28
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes varies by region.
    In 2017 the localities of Várzea Paulista and Pedreira banned information in schools about sexual orientation or "gender ideology". Additionally, a bill was proposed in the state assembly that would ban “the practice of political and ideological indoctrination in the classroom,” but the bill later failed.
  • September 25
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    There is a one year deferral for MSMs.
  • September 21
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Newfoundland and Labrador residents can change their IDs and birth certificates to a neutral gender marker option.
  • September 19
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    In September 2017, a federal judge in Brasília approved the use of conversion therapy by a psychologist to “cure” people of homosexuality, overruling the 1999 decision.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2017, Uruguay implemented a mental health law that covers the ban on conversion therapy under Law 19,529.
  • September 14
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in housing in Puebla.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Puebla.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in Puebla.
  • September 6
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    The Gender Identity Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act provided a method for individuals to apply to have identification documents, including passports, updated with an "X" gender marker. Additionally, in September 2024, a law passed by the Maltese parliament came into force allowing Non-binary people to change their birth certificates to have 'X' as a gender marker.
  • September 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage became legal in Malta under the Marriage Act and other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2017; replacing the heterosexual definition of marriage with gender-neutral language.
  • August 18
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    In 2017, Michoacán provided for legal gender recognition on the basis of self-identification.
  • August 12
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Article 16 of the Law on the Army of Montenegro adopted on July 26, 2017, prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (among others) in relation to persons applying for service in the Army.
  • August 10
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    On August 10, 2017, Rhode Island banned conversion therapy.
  • August 9
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    There is protection against sexual harassment based on sexual preferences that applies only to the public sector. Guideline No. 12/2017 on Prevention and combating sexual harassment in the Public Service. issued by the Public Service Commission, states that acts that may constitute sexual harassment include: telling lies or spreading rumors about a person's sex life; ask questions about a person's sex life; discussing one person's sex life with another; asking about another person's sexual fantasies, sexual preferences, or sexual history; making sexual comments about a person's clothing, anatomy or appearance; among others.
  • August 7
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    A 1-year deferral was in effect.
  • August 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Same-sex adoption is legal in Puebla since 2017.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    Article 354 of Chad’s Penal Code criminalizes “[a]nyone who has sexual relations with persons of their own sex” with a prison sentence of between 3 months and 2 years and a fine of between 50,000 and 500,000 francs.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Since 2017, same-sex marriage is recognised in Puebla thanks to a Supreme Court ruling.
  • Conversion therapy becomes varies by region.
    Pima County is currently the only jurisdiction to ban conversion therapy in Arizona. The Pima County Board of Supervisors passed the measure in a 3-2 vote with offenders being fined up to 2,500 dollars. An executive order was implemented by Governor Hobbs in June of 2023. State law supersedes local laws and the ban is at risk of being rendered defunct if state legislatures were to nullify the legitimacy of the scope of these laws. No bill pends for or against banning at the moment in any state legislatures but discussion has spawned out of the topic. Despite regulators considering the practice controversial, no action has been taken against licensed therapists who pathologize the treatment.
  • July 31
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Aguascalientes added gender identity as a protected characteristic from discrimination including in housing.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Aguascalientes added gender identity as a protected characteristic from discrimination including in employment.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Aguascalientes added gender identity as a protected characteristic in its anti-discrimination laws.
  • July 28
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes varies by region.
    On July 28th, 2017, the Government of Northwest Territories became the first jurisdiction in Canada to offer a third gender option.
  • July 11
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    On July 11th, 2017, Chiapas began allowing for same-sex couples to legally marry after the Supreme Court ruled its ban on such a violation of the constitution.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    On July 11th, 2017, same-sex marriage was legalized in Chiapas. Now gay couples can adopt.
  • July 3
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Oregon became the first state to legally recognize the non-binary/non-confirming gender on licenses on July 3rd, 2017.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes varies by region.
    On June 15th, 2017, Oregon officials voted yes to allowing the legal representation of non-binary people. On July 3rd, 2017, this option became available to the public.
  • July 1
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    The Criminal Code and the Law on Criminal Procedure outlaw discrimination against LGBT people.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    The criminal code of Mongolia outlaws discrimination against LGBT people.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Northwest Territories residents can ask for an X as a gender marker on their birth certificates.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Since 2012, Canada has not required surgery to change gender on documents under federal jurisdiction e.g. passports. However, legal gender recognition was dependent on each province and territory’s laws until July 1, 2017, when the Northwest Territories became the last to remove the requirement for surgery for legal gender recognition.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The Faroe Islands legalized same-sex marriage in 2017, becoming the last Nordic territory to do so.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Since 2017, Nayarit has provided legal gender recognition on the basis of self-identification.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Residents do not require surgery to change their gender marker.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    The Criminal Code and the Law on Criminal Procedure outlaw discrimination against LGBT people.
  • June 29
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Navarre has recognised the non-binary gender since 2017 and became the first Spanish community to recognise it.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Spain does not provide recognition for non-binary, and intersex people on a national level. However, three provinces have introduced such recognition: Canarias, La Rioja, and Navarra. Navarra became the first on June 29th, 2017, when Law No. 8 (2017) went into effect. Article 44 (1) and (2) state 1. "The Public Administrations of Navarra, within the scope of their powers, must adopt all the necessary measures so that the administrative documentation, in all the areas contemplated in this provincial law, is appropriate to the diversity of sexual or gender identity of LGTBI+ people and the heterogeneity of the family situation."
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes varies by region.
    Spain does not provide recognition for non-binary, and intersex people on a national level. However, three provinces have introduced such recognition: Canarias, La Rioja, and Navarra. Navarra became the first on June 29th, 2017, when Law No. 8 (2017) went into effect. Article 44 (1) and (2) state 1. "The Public Administrations of Navarra, within the scope of their powers, must adopt all the necessary measures so that the administrative documentation, in all the areas contemplated in this provincial law, is appropriate to the diversity of sexual or gender identity of LGTBI+ people and the heterogeneity of the family situation." 2. "Likewise, it must be guaranteed, in access to public services and benefits, that transsexual, transgender and intersex people can be named and treated according to the sex or gender with which they identify (be it man, woman or another )."
  • June 26
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Under American law, same-sex couples can adopt children.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    On 31 March 2016, Federal District Court struck down Mississippi's ban on same-sex couple adoptions. On June 26, 2017, the United States Supreme Court reversed an Arkansas Supreme Court ruling that allowed a law listing parents by gender on birth certificates to stand. The new SCOTUS ruling allowed both same-sex spouses to be listed on birth certificates. These court rulings made adoption by same-sex couples legal in all 50 states. States can however require couples to be legally married before adopting.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In June 2017, Washington D.C. began allowing individuals to have their gender marker on their driver’s licenses be “X”.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Under federal law. No restrictions
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Any single adult can adopt, regardless of being LGBT. There is however no protections in place for discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Couples must be married to adopt jointly or for second parent adoption.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Under federal law since 2015. Single adoption, joint adoption by married couples and second parent adoption by married couples are legal. Two unmarried individuals cannot adopt jointly. North Carolina does not explicitly protect LGBT individuals from discrimination.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    under state and federal law. Any single person is allowed to adopt. To adopt as a couple, the individuals must however be married. Second parent adoption is also permitted. Agencies are however allowed to discriminate against LGBT couples on the basis of religion.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    New Hamsphire allows single adoption, joint adoption by married couples and second parent adoption by married couples.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Single adoption, joint adoption by married couples and second parent adoption by married couples are legal. Alabama however allows discrimination against LGBT people on the basis of religion, which means they can be refused adoption by some adoption agencies. They can also refuse to place a child with a next-of-kin family member if that family member happens to be LGBT.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Single adoption, joint adoption by married couples and second parent adoption by married couples are all legal. In some cases, adoption has also been approved for unmarried LGBT couples. However, Texas allows adoption agencies to discriminate against LGBT people on the basis of religion.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Any single person is permitted to adopt per statute. State law allows any married individual to adopt their spouse's child via stepparent adoption, even though some counties or judges might give LGBT prospective parents trouble. Married LGBT couples can adopt jointly.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Single-parent and joint-parent adoption is legal for any adult pursuant Official Code of Georgia §19-8-3. However, no appellate court case law or statutes dictate legality of same-sex second-parent adoption, which means ruling has varied by county and judge.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    On 31 March 2016, Federal District Court struck down Mississippi's ban on same-sex couple adoptions. On June 26, 2017, the United States Supreme Court reversed an Arkansas Supreme Court ruling that allowed a law listing parents by gender on birth certificates to stand. The new SCOTUS ruling allowed both same-sex spouses to be listed on birth certificates. These court rulings made adoption by same-sex couples legal in all 50 states. States can however require couples to be legally married before adopting.
  • June 19
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Bill C-16 received Royal Ascent on 19 June 2017, revising the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code.
  • June 13
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Yukon residents can ask for an X on their birth certificate.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Since June 13th 2017, Yukon became the last province or territory to allow trans people to change their gender marker in Canada without undergoing surgeries.
  • June 8
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Paraiba passed Law No. 10,909 which amended its anti-discrimination law to prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis of gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Paraiba passed Law No. 10909 which amended its anti-discrimination law to prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Paraiba passed Law 10,909 which extended protections from discrimination in all areas to gender identity.
  • June
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In June 2017, Yukon amended its Human Rights Act to add gender identity and expression to its protected characteristics from discrimination.
  • June 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2017, Israel began allowing men who have not had sex with men in over a year to donate blood.
  • May 23
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Individuals can request an X gender marker on their documents.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.
    Proof of surgery is no longer required. Instead, individuals are asked to provide a statement from a medical professional or a psychologist certifying that they underwent the appropriate treatment to change their legal gender.
  • May 17
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in housing in Nuevo León.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, gender identity was added as a protected characteristic from discrimination in employment in Nuevo León.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, gender identity became a protected characteristic from discrimination in Nuevo León.
  • May 9
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes no censorship.
    In 2017, Utah replaced the section of the public education curriculum that prohibited the advocacy of homosexuality with one that instead prohibited “premarital or extramarital sexual activity.”
  • May 4
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage became legal in Guernsey on May 4, 2017, when the 2016's "Same-Sex Marriage (Guernsey) Law" was enacted. The government passed a resolution promising to implement it in December 2015, they passed a bill the next year and the year after that it took effect.
  • May
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The Supreme Court ruled that same sex-marriage was allowed under the Marriage Act 1944 and the Human Rights Act.
  • April 29
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The Marriage (Amendment) Bill 2017 introduced Civil Partnerships and modified the Marriage Ordinance 1996 to state that same-sex marriages are lawful and would be treated the same as marriage between a man and a woman.
  • April 28
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blanket ban replaced by a 1 year deferral period.
  • April 26
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Since April 26th 2017, it is no longer required to undergo surgeries to change one's gender marker in New-Brunswick.
  • April 25
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Both are protected under the Yukon Human Rights Code as well as federally under bill C-16.
  • April 21
    Right to change legal gender becomes ambiguous.
    UK changes of gender are recognised. The Criminal Procedure and Evidence Ordinance 2014 (effective 2017) states "the gender of an individual is his or her gender as registered at birth, unless the person possesses a gender recognition certificate issued under section 9 of the UK Gender Recognition Act 2004, in which case the person's gender is the acquired gender." This makes gender recognition legal if it occurred in the UK but not in the Falklands.
  • April 6
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Ban Passed by Senate Committee of New Mexico.
  • April 3
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    The Population Management (Guernsey) Law of 2016 has allowed same-sex couples to adopt jointly since April 3, 2017.
  • April
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, new protections were passed, prohibiting discrimination against LGBT people in housing.
  • April 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016 the Norwegian Directorate of Health decided that from April 2017 MSMs and men who had sold themselves sexually would be accepted as blood donors, provided that there had been at least 12 months since their last sexual contact.
  • April
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016 the Norwegian Directorate of Health decided that from April 2017 MSMs and men who had sold themselves sexually would be accepted as blood donors, provided that there had been at least 12 months since their last sexual contact.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016 the Norwegian Directorate of Health decided that from April 2017 MSMs and men who had sold themselves sexually would be accepted as blood donors, provided that there had been at least 12 months since their last sexual contact.
  • March 27
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Some specific laws and decrees contemplate in their articles the prohibition of discrimination or protection based on sexual orientation or gender identity, such as: Decree 6973 regulating Law 577/2016, effective 2017, on "Comprehensive protection of women against all forms of violence", in its article 3 on "Protected persons" establishes that the protection of women in situations of violence without any kind of discrimination based on sexual orientation; Law 6149/2018 on Protection and Facilities for the Naturalization of Stateless Persons, in its article 9 on "Non-discrimination" establishes that: "The authorities will guarantee the free and full exercise of all the rights recognized in this law to the stateless person or applicant for recognition of such a condition that is subject to the jurisdiction of the country, without any discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity."; Law 6534/2020 on the Protection of Personal Credit Data, in its article 3(b) defines as sensitive personal data "Those that refer to the intimate sphere of its owner, or whose improper use may give rise to discrimination or entail a serious risk personal data that may reveal aspects such as data related to health, life, preference or sexual orientation, ."
  • March 17
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Nayarit 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 2017, Nayarit added gender identity as a protected characteristic in its anti-discrimination law, including in employment.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Nayarit added gender identity as a protected characteristic in its anti-discrimination law.
  • March 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Finland voted to legalize full marriage for same-sex couples on November 28, 2014, but it went into effect on March 1, 2017. It was the last Nordic sovereign state to approve gay marriage.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Full adoption is now legal in Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Finland voted to legalize full marriage for same-sex couples on November 28, 2014, but it went into effect on March 1, 2017. It was the last Nordic sovereign state to approve gay marriage.
  • February 24
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    The Partnership Act was adopted on April 21, 2016. This law confers the rights to subsistence and maintenance, jointly owned property, occupancy, inheritance, and partner healthcare. The rights to joint adoption and in vitro fertilisation were not granted.
  • February 16
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    In 2017, South Australia's legislation to allow same-sex couples to adopt came into effect.
  • February 10
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    In 2017 it became legal to change gender, with or without surgery.
  • February 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.
    Delaware does not require surgery for legal gender recognition but does require medical documentation.
  • January 28
    Same-sex marriage becomes ambiguous.
    LGBT couple can marry in Aguascalientes after gaining protection.
  • January 15
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    The Irish Government enforces a one-year deferral on men who have had sex with men from donating blood.
  • January 12
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    In 2017, Tlaxcala began providing recognition of same-sex couples as civil unions with marriage rights.
  • January 11
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    In 2022, the High Court rejected the State’s appeal of a lower court decision of 2017 and emphasized that fundamental human rights, including protection from discrimination and respect for private life, extend to transgender persons. It ruled that the absence of legislation cannot be an excuse for denying legal gender recognition, but the ruling narrowly defined the process for changing the gender registration of transgender persons at civil registry offices, requiring psychological assessments, complete gender reassignment surgery, and gender screening. In January 2017, the Eerste Kantongerecht (one of 3 Courts of First Instance in Suriname) granted a transgender woman the right to have her gender formally changed with the Central Bureau of Civil Affairs and ordered the registry to officially change her registration to reflect her amended status. The Association of Pentecostal Churches in Suriname (VVPES) and the Suriname Islamic Association (SIV), which had protested against and opposed the right to recognize a gender change, indicated they would "accept the verdict". In February 2017, the Central Bureau of Civil Affairs formally appealed the court ruling. In January 2022, the Suriname Court of Appeal ruled in favor and ordered the gender change on the birth certificate of the transgender woman who had undergone sex reassignment surgery in 2009.
  • January 6
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Ucayali began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, sexual orientation and gender identity became protected characteristics from discrimination in all areas in Tacna under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Puno began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Pasco began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Madre de Dios began providing protections from discrimination in all areas on basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Lima began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Junin began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, El Callao began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Lambayeque began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Tumbes began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Huanuco began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Huancavelica protected sexual orientation and gender identity in all areas under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Tumbes began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Arequipa began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, El Callao began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, San Martin began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Lambayeque began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Madre de Dios began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Ayacucho began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Ancash began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Tacna began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Lima began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Moquegua began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Apurimac began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Junin began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Cajamarca began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Huanuco began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Pasco began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Ucayali began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Huancavelica began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Ica began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Puno began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Cusco began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Cusco began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Moquegua began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, sexual orientation and gender identity both became protected characteristics from discrimination in housing in San Martin under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Cajamarca began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in housing and gender identity was protected from discrimination in all other areas in Ayacucho under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Ancash began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, sexual orientation became a protected characteristic from discrimination in housing and gender identity was protected from discrimination in all other areas in Apurimac under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Ancash began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Ica began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Piura extended housing discrimination protections to gender identity under federal Peruvian law. Sexual orientation was already protected since 2016.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Piura extended discrimination protections to gender identity under federal Peruvian law. Sexual orientation was already protected since 2016.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2017, Lima City began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Lima City began providing protections from discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Madre de Dios extended employment discrimination protections to gender identity under federal Peruvian law. Sexual orientation was already protected since 2009.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Piura extended employment discrimination protections to gender identity under federal Peruvian law. Sexual orientation was already protected since 2016.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Huancavelica extended employment discrimination protections to gender identity under federal Peruvian law. Sexual orientation was already protected since 2009.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Ayacucho extended employment discrimination protections to gender identity under federal Peruvian law. Sexual orientation was already protected since 2009.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Apurimac extended employment discrimination protections to gender identity under federal Peruvian law. Sexual orientation was already protected since 2008.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Puno began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Tumbes began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Ucayali began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Pasco began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Moquegua began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Lima began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Lima City began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Lambayeque began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Junin began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Ica began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Huanuco began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, El Callao began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Cusco began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Cajamarca began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Arequipa began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2017, Ancash began providing protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity under federal Peruvian law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Legislative Decree 1323 amended Article 323 of the Penal Code to incorporate the prohibition of all forms of discrimination and incitement to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Legislative Decree 1323 amended Article 323 of the Penal Code to incorporate the prohibition of all forms of discrimination and incitement to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Legislative Decree #1323 of Peru states that crimes motivated by intolerance or discrimination including sexual orientation and gender identity will receive stronger penalizations. According to Articles 46 and 323 of the Penal Code, the decree issued in 2017 outlawing discrimination, incitement to discrimination, and hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity is still in effect.
  • January 5
    Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    The government (National Registration Department (NRD)) won an appeal allowing them not to allow for the changing of a person's identity on various forms of identification.
  • January 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Under French law, trans people can change their legal gender without surgery or medical diagnosis since 2017. This law also applies to Guadeloupe.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Under French law, trans people can change their legal gender without surgery or medical diagnosis since 2017. This law also applies to Mayotte.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Under French law, trans people can change their legal gender without surgery or medical diagnosis since 2017. This law also applies to Reunion.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Under French law, trans people can change their legal gender without surgery or medical diagnosis since 2017. This law also applies to Martinique.
  • January
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    In 2017, the Philippines began allowing transgender people to join the military.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Article 350(i) of the Penal Code (2017) establishes the aggravated punishment of imprisonment for ten to twenty years for rape committed because of the victim's sexual orientation.
  • January 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Under French law, trans people can change their legal gender without surgery or medical diagnosis since 2017. This law also applies to New Caledonia.
  • (date unknown)
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).
    Court decision pending.
  • Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    In Tajikistan, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics, although there are reports of certain topics of LGBTQ+ that are restricted.
  • January
    Same-sex adoption becomes second parent adoption only.
    In February of 2017, a lesbian woman successfully adopted her partner’s child. Since then, many other same-sex couples adopted their partners child. In 2020 a same-sex couple adopted a child. Theoretically, infertile couples may be able to jointly adopt non-biological but it is unclear if this applies to same-sex couples.
  • (date unknown)
    Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    Same sex marriage registered outside of Hong Kong is recognized for immigration purposes.
  • January 1
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Bill C-16 amended the Canadian Human Rights Act to add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.
  • Conversion therapy becomes varies by region.
    On December 14, 2016, Pittsburgh became the first city in Pennsylvania to pass a bill that bans conversion therapy on minors. The law went into effect on January 1, 2017.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Section 50 of the Labour and Employment Relations Act (2017) prohibits discrimination at the workplace, including on the basis of sexual orientation as a protected attribute (under Section 50(2)(b)).
  • January
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Since 2010, St Helena has allowed anyone to adopt but same-sex couples have only enjoyed marriage rights since December 2017 meaning before this only single same-sex couples could adopt.
  • January 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Under French law, trans people can change their legal gender without surgery or medical diagnosis since 2017. This law also applies to French Guiana.
  • (date unknown)
    Equal age of consent becomes n/a.
    Homosexuality became illegal in Chad since 2017
  • January 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    LGB couples cannot adopt in Slovakia as of 2023. All single people regardless of sexual orientation can however
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    On November 24, 2015, the Vietnamese National Assembly voted overwhelmingly (282 from the 366 members of the National Assembly) in favour of legalizing the right to change an individual's legal gender. This law went into effect in 2017.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Change of name and gender legal since 2007

LGBT Organizations Founded in 2017

  • PFLAG - Fort Dodge FaviconPFLAG - Fort Dodge
    Iowa, United States
    PFLAG - Fort Dodge PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ persons, their families and friends through: support to cope with an adverse society, education to…
  • Chaplains on Call and Emergency Response, Inc FaviconChaplains on Call and Emergency Response, Inc
    Zimbabwe
    Chaplains on Call and Emergency Response, Inc is an international, non-profit, educational and religious organization that trains, maintains and dispatches highly skilled…
  • Out On The Shelves FaviconOut On The Shelves
    New Zealand
    InsideOUT works to give rainbow young people in Aotearoa New Zealand a sense of safety and belonging in their schools and communities. We are a national charity providing…
  • Union Nacional de Empresarios Tur FaviconUnion Nacional de Empresarios Tur
    Mexico
    Non profit organisation to promote LGBT tourism, no discrimination, equality, same rights in tourism industry, safe travel.
  • Safe Place Greece FaviconSafe Place Greece
    Greece
    Safe Place Greece
  • Beirut Pride FaviconBeirut Pride
    Lebanon
    Organizes pride events in Beirut.
  • VPride FaviconVPride
    Vanuatu
    VPride Foundation is a community based group that helps educate, advocate and mobilize LGBTIQ+ people and SWs in Vanuatu.
  • Jsme fér FaviconJsme fér
    Czechia
    Organisation "jsme fér" translated as "we are fair" supports the initiative of "manželství pro všechny" translated as marriage for everyone. They fight for the right to…
  • XY Spectrum FaviconXY Spectrum
    Serbia
    Organization for support and promotion of sex and gender variant persons.
  • Spektra FaviconSpektra
    Montenegro
    An organization that specifically deals with the protection and promotion of human rights of transgender, gender variant and intersex persons.
  • Asociación Civil Más Igualdad Perú FaviconAsociación Civil Más Igualdad Perú
    Global
    They are an intersectional feminist organization that works for the visibility and rights of LGBTIQ+ people in Peru.
  • EternamenteSOU FaviconEternamenteSOU
    Brazil
    EternamenteSOU is a non-profit organization that began its work in 2017 in the city of São Paulo with the aim of working for the benefit of LGBT elderly people. Through the…
  • Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation FaviconHugh Lane Wellness Foundation
    Pennsylvania, United States
    Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation was founded in 2017 to improve the health of the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities in Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania, and beyond. They offer a variety of…
  • TransFolk WA FaviconTransFolk WA
    Western Australia, Australia
    TransFolk WA is a peer support group for transgender people in Western Australia. The organisation has been lobbying for easier access to legal gender recognition and has…
  • Trinidad and Tobago Transgender Coalition (3TC) FaviconTrinidad and Tobago Transgender Coalition (3TC)
    Trinidad and Tobago
    The Trinidad and Tobago Transgender Coalition advocates for the strengthening of human rights and needs fulfilment of transgender and nonbinary people in Trinidad and Tobago.…