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2023 in LGBT Rights

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In 2023, there were 138 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 161 changes made and 109 in the following year. A total of 750 legal changes have been made so far in the 2020s.

  • December 28
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Adoption is legal for same sex couples.
  • December 19
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2023, nonbinary recognition was repealed in Rio Grande do Sul. However, intersex people still have recognition under federal law.
  • December 15
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    The Congresses of Morelos and Quintana Roo joined together to recognize the rights of LGBT+ people and approved initiatives to prohibit and sanction Efforts to Correct Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (ECOSIG), commonly known as conversion therapies.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    The Congresses of Morelos and Quintana Roo joined together to recognize the rights of LGBT+ people and approved initiatives to prohibit and sanction Efforts to Correct Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (ECOSIG), commonly known as conversion therapies.
  • December 13
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Pakistan has allowed trans people to self-identify since the Lahore High Court struck down the Shariat ruling in Nayyab Ali v. Federation of Pakistan. "Third gender" is included as an option.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Pakistan allows trans people to self-identify and receive identity documents with their preferred name and gender under Chapter 2 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018. In 2023, the Lahore High Court upheld this act in "Nayyab Ali v. Federation of Pakistan," overturning the Shariat ruling.
  • December 12
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    By a vote of 85-15, the norwegian parliament gave a final approval to a law banning conversion therapy.
  • December 4
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    Finland lifted the restrictions on MSMs donating blood on December 4th 2023. "As a result of the change, deferral period practices related to sexual behaviour will be made consistent in blood donation and will be the same for everyone regardless of sex."
  • November 30
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes imprisonment as punishment.
    On November 30, 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court ruled the “international LGBT movement” to be an extremist organization, effectively outlawing all LGBT organizations, social movements and their activities. Under Russia's anti-extremism laws, participating in or financing an extremist organization is punishable by up to 12 years in prison. Those found guilty of displaying such groups’ symbols, which now include the LGBT rainbow flag, can face up to 15 days in detention for the first offense and up to four years in prison for a repeat offense. In March 2024, two employees of a gay club in Russia were arrested and held in pre-trial detention on suspicion that they were running an 'extremist organization', after the club was raided by authorities earlier that month. If found guilty, they could face up to ten years in prison.
  • November 21
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Previous government guidelines allowing changes with only a medical diagnosis were revoked for "the stability of the coalition" hence surgery was once again required.
  • November 8
    Intersex infant surgery becomes not banned.
    Gov. Hochul signed Senate Bill S5399, giving parents information about intersex infants. This will ensure parents are given the right information about the surgeries. Gov. Hochul said “Every individual in New York deserves to be treated with dignity and respect by our medical system, especially our kids. This new law is a significant step forward to raise awareness of the intersex community and ensure they get informed and compassionate medical care." Infants are not required to have the surgery unless it is medically necessary for the child, ie having complications relating to intersex.
  • November 7
    Intersex infant surgery becomes full ban.
    Banned since November 2023 by Circular No. 15 of the Ministry of Health.
  • (deleted region)
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    Not banned in Manchester
  • November 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    New blood donation rules are now based on an updated risk assessment of various sexual behaviours and are equally applied to all people regardless of sexual orientation.
  • October 28
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Parliament voted to ban conversion therapy
  • October 23
    Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    The 2022 ruling has been put in effect. Any changes received by or after October 23, 2023 will be done under the new criteria. It is now not possible to change one's gender marker unless it was wrongly marked at birth. Transgender people cannot update their documents.
  • October 17
    Same-sex marriage becomes unregistered cohabitation.
    In the Supreme Court case of Supriyo @ Supriya Chakraborty v. Union of India, a five-judge Constitutional Bench held that LGBTQ+ persons have the right to choose a partner, cohabit and enjoy physical & mental intimacy, free from physical threat and coercive action. The State is bound to protect the exercise of these rights.
  • October 10
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes fine as punishment.
    In October 2023, the Amazonas Legislative Assembly passed Law 6469 which prohibited children from participating in Pride Parades, with a penalty of a fine. The law’s constitutionality has been challenged by the federal government since 2024. The law would later be amended to remove the mention in December 2024.
  • October 6
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2023, a court in Rio Grande do Norte ruled that nonbinary people must be provided legal recognition.
  • October 4
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Five members of the LGBT community won their case before the Supreme Court on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. In an initial verdict by Justices David Chan Kan Cheong and Karuna Devi Gunesh-Balaghee, they ruled that section 250(1) of the Penal Code, which seeks to criminalise sodomy, is discriminatory and unconstitutional. This, insofar as it prohibits consensual sodomy between consenting male adults.
  • October 1
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    The Prevention of Discrimination (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2022 states that people can not be denied accommodation based off their sexual orientation. There aren’t any laws about gender discrimination for housing.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    The Prevention of Discrimination (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2022 protects people in Guernsey from being discriminated against in employment for either sexual orientation. Discrimination because of gender identity was already illegal in 2005, The Sex Discrimination (Employment) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2005.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    There isn’t a law that protects lgbt people of hate crimes in the same way as in England however significant progress has been made recently. LGBT people are protected from employment and housing discrimination in accordance to the Prevention of Discrimination (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2022 and they are protected by The Prevention of Harassment (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2005. However offensive hateful behaviour in Guernsey only is completely and outright illegal if it is racially motivated, The Racial Hatred (Bailiwick of Guernsey) 2005
  • Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but restricted for minors.
    Minors of this law are considered 19 age and under, so they do not have access to gender affirming care as of 2023. Adults over the age of 19 are still able to get gender affirming care. LB 574 bans all gender affirming care for under 19 years of age.
  • October
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes not legally recognized.
    Governor Huckabee in 2023 removed all access of the gender X on all drivers licenses. She was quoted saying “As long as I’m governor, Arkansas state government will not endorse nonsense.”. As of Oct 2023, Transgender and non-binary people will have to register as M or F on their drivers licenses.
  • September 5
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    Hong Kong’s highest court ruled on 5 September in favour of same-sex civil unions but did not grant them the right to marry. The Final Court of Appeal ruled that the government is "violating its obligation (...) to legally recognize same-sex couples", according to the ruling, which nevertheless rejects "unanimously the appeal" regarding the recognition of their marriage. This ruling was eagerly awaited by the LGBT+ community of the former British colony which, for a decade, has won important victories before the courts, including the annulment of discriminatory government policies on visas, taxes and housing subsidies.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    Constitutionally banned since 2023.
  • September 1
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    It is illegal to provide gender affirming care to minors in Texas, with the exception of intersex infants, classified in bill SB14 as "medically verifiable genetic disorder of sex development".
  • Same-sex adoption becomes illegal.
    Articles 179 and 181 of the Family Law adopted on February 8, 2023 give spouses the exclusive right to both types of adoption. Singles are not allowed to adopt.
  • August 28
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    Minors under 18 are unable to get gender affirming care under SB49, however, the bill allows before August 28th, 2023 to continue gender-affirming care. Adults and Minors who are in prison are also affected by this bill and are unable to receive gender-affirming care while incarcerated. Note: this ban expires on August 28th 2027.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2023, Goias began providing legal recognition to nonbinary people.
  • August 24
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    In August 2023, the Superior Council of Communication (CSC) adopted a decision that restricts the broadcast of LGBT related content. This decision prohibits television channels from airing content "promoting homosexuality" and bans any content or scenes of a "homosexual character" on channels targeted at children and young audiences.
  • August 21
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2023, the Federal District of Brazil began providing recognition to nonbinary people.
  • August 16
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    In August 2023, the republican led state legislature overrode democratic governor roy cooper's veto of a bill to ban gender affirming care for minors.
  • Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    The law previously blocked went into effect on August 16, 2023. Instruction on gender identity and sexuality is forbidden from k-4, and schools are legally required to alert parents if a minor wants to change their name or pronouns at school.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    There is limited protecton based on sexual orientation. The Data Protection Act (2023) states that "Sensitive personal data" means personal data consisting of information on a data subject’s sexual orientation or sexual life. No law expressly prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or gender expression.
  • August 14
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    On 17 March 2023, the government announced a proposal to amend the child protection law. Article 2-1 of the draft law expands the definition of information harmful to the health and development of children as follows: “[information] that denounces family and traditional societal values, promotes non-traditional sexual relations and initiates disrespect towards parents or other family members”. The bill was passed by the parliament on 22 June 2023 and signed into law by the president on 14 August 2023. Unlike Hungary's "law on the protection of children" , the law does not mention sexual orientation or homosexuality explicitly. The law also does not define "family values" and "non-traditional sexual relations".
  • August 8
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    In January 2023, a bill was due to go into effect in Maranhao prohibiting the use of gender-neutral and non-binary language in schools but it was vetoed by State Governor Carlos Brandao. However, in August, the Legislative Assembly overturned his veto. A lawsuit was filed against the Supreme Court for this.
  • August
    Gender-affirming care becomes restricted.
    In August 2023, Indonesia passed Undang-Undang Kesehatan Number 17, a new health law that includes passages that restrict plastic and reconstructive surgery related to changing appearances, including sex reassignment surgery.
  • August 1
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes no censorship.
    In 2023, Minnesota repealed a 1993 law that prohibited the "promotion of homosexuality or bisexuality in education institutions" or present it as an acceptable lifestyle. Since then, there are no laws censoring LGBT topics in Minnesota.
  • July 27
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    The Sinaloa deputies voted in favor of penalizing conversion practices.
  • July 24
    Gender-affirming care becomes banned.
    On July 24th, 2023, Vladimir Putin signed legislation into law that bans “medical interventions aimed at changing the sex of a person.”
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    Single homosexuals are allowed to adopt, but banned for transgender people.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    The upper house of Russia’s parliament unanimously approved a bill outlawing gender-affirming care and legal gender change. It also annuls marriages in which one person has “changed gender” and bars transgender people from becoming foster or adoptive parents.
  • July 22
    Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    In 2023, Malians approved amendments to their constitution via a referendum. One of the amendments defines marriage as a union exclusively between a man and woman.
  • July 19
    Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    The upper house of Russia’s parliament unanimously approved a bill outlawing gender-affirming care and legal gender change. It also annuls marriages in which one person has “changed gender” and bars transgender people from becoming foster or adoptive parents.
  • (deleted region)
    Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    As the Donetsk People's Republic is controlled by Russia, it is de facto illegal to change genders following Russia's legislation against gender affirming care.
  • July 9
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    There are limited protections based on sexual orientation and sexual life. No explicit protections based on gender identity. Law No. 025/2023 of 09/07/2023 amending Law No. 001/2011 of 25 September 2011 on the Protection of Personal Data included sexual orientation as sensitive data.
  • July 6
    Intersex infant surgery becomes full ban.
    During the National Health Conference on July 6th, 2023, the Brazilian Congress approved legislation that banned unnecessary surgeries on intersex toddlers.
  • July 1
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    On July 1st, 2023, Indiana passed House Enrolled Act 1608 which limits discussion of gender identity in education from kindergarten to third grade.
  • Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    House Bill 1080 bans gender affirming care for all teenage minors. As in a lot of similar bills there is an exception for "medically verifiable disorder of sex development" for which if the criteria is met performing non-consensual, medically unnecessary surgeries on infants is legal.
  • Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    Adults are still able to receive gender affirming care under Tennessee Law, Minors are not able to receive gender affirming care. Under SB001, Minors are prohibited to receive gender affirming care. Adults are unable to help minors to get gender affirming care, they will face prosecution, if found doing such.
  • Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    SB 140 Bans any and all gender affirming care for minors, adults are still able to receive care. Doctors and Hospitals, are at the Georgia State Medical boards hands if they do proceed with gender affirming care of an minor.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    On July 1st, 2023 non-binary people were given the option of “X” on their birth certificate. Although non-binary options for drivers licenses and ids were legalized in 2019, it wasn’t until March 29th, 2024 that technology issues in the Illinois DMV became resolved and allowed for a non-binary option.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    On July 1st 2023, Tennessee passed a new law preventing people from changing their gender marker on their documents if it differs from the one assigned at birth. This includes birth certificates, driver's licenses, and other legal documents.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    Kansas passed a new law making it impossible to change one's gender marker on legal documents, be it driver's licenses or birth certificates. Any documents previously changed would be reverted after renewal. Governor Kelly has out-spoken about the bill several times and did veto it, it still got overturned with her veto and has been active since 2023. Citing that businesses would not work with her, because of the discrimination actions within the bill.
  • Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    Prohibits talks of LGBT topics in school up to grade 6.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).
    Starting July 1 2023, MSM who would like to donate blood face a 4-month deferral period.
  • June 29
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    Kentucky passed SB 150 in 2023 this bill includes minors relating to gender affirming care. Minors are defined in this bill to be under 18. SB 150 targets minors who are receiving gender affirming care and making it illegal for them to do gender affirming care. This bill also targets doctors who preform gender affirming care.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Those who carry out conversion practices will be sentenced to 2 to 6 years in prison.
  • June 28
    Same-sex marriage becomes ambiguous.
    On 28 June 2023, a single judge bench of Justice Til Prasad Shrestha issued a historic order directing the government to establish a separate register for non-traditional couples and sexual minorities and to temporarily register them. The full bench of the Supreme Court has yet to deliver a final verdict. Some observers noted that Justice Til Prasad Shrestha exceeded his authority. It is estimated that around 200 third gender activists who rushed back to their villages may register their marriages soon. On 29 November 2023, the first same-sex couple in Nepal was able to register their marriage in the Dordi municipality, five months after the interim order was given. However, there are reports that other same-sex wedding applications have not been consistently registered. In April 2024, Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs ordered the recognition of same-sex marriage in all the country's jurisdictions.
  • June 20
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal.
    The "SAFE Act" was struck down by a federal judge, legalizing transition for any medically approved age. However, healthcare professionals are allowed to decline gender transition procedures if it is "against their religious views".
  • June 15
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Law was changed under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 which comes into effect on 15 June 2023. This will allow gender self-identification and mean that you will not need to go through the Family Court to change your nominated sex/gender, and you will not require evidence of medical treatment to do so either.
  • June 9
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    The Icelandic parliament has passed a law banning so-called conversion therapy practices on the basis of sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity.
  • June 8
    Intersex infant surgery becomes full ban.
    The Variation in Sex Characteristics (Restricted Medical Treatment) Bill 2023 bans intersex surgery on infants, and allows for individuals to make the decision themselves when they have capacity to consent.
  • Intersex infant surgery becomes varies by region.
    In 2023 the Australian Capital Territory passed the Variation in Sex Characteristics (Restricted Medical Treatment) Bill and became the first region of Australia to ban intersex infant surgery.
  • June 7
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2023, Minas Gerais began providing legal recognition to nonbinary people.
  • June 3
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).
    In Australia sexually active LGBT people are unable to donate blood unless they abstain from sex for three months. Since 2021, the deferral period within Australia was reduced from 1 year to 3 months without PrEP. In June 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved a submission from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood calling to remove most sexual activity ineligibility criteria for plasma donors.
  • June
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes varies by region.
    Nampa County's school board, in June of 2023, enacted a similar policy to Florida's infamous "Don't say gay" bill, prohibiting the discussion of LGBT topics and issues in schools. No major censorship exists statewide, however, Idaho school districts are required to remove any mandates for teachers to use transgender students' preferred pronouns. Governor Brad Little signed House Bill 538, sponsored by Rep. Ted Hill, R-Eagle, which protects public employees, including teachers, who refuse to use preferred names and pronouns. The bill prohibits teachers from using a name or pronoun that doesn't match a student's birth sex without parental consent, and it grants teachers the option to sue their district if they face discipline for refusing to comply. The bill became effective on July 1st, 2024.
  • June 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    From 1 June, all donors will be subject to the same screening process regardless of their sexuality or gender.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    The law allowing same-sex couples to jointly adopt received royal assent and went into effect on 1 June 2023.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Under the Crimes (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill any clauses that make consensual sexual acts between men illegal will be removed from the Crimes Act and will come into force on 1 June.
  • May 31
    Right to change legal gender becomes ambiguous.
    A bill to make gender change illegal was proposed, and it will probably pass.
  • May 29
    Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    The "Anti-Homosexuality Bill" signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni states that same-sex marriage is punishable by 10 years imprisonment. The same punishment is to be applied to those conducting same-sex marriage ceremonies.
  • Censorship of LGBT issues becomes imprisonment as punishment.
    As of May 29, 2023, the Anti-Homosexuality Act punishes the "promotion" of homosexuality with up to 20 years in prison.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (death penalty as punishment).
    President Yoweri Museveni signed an "Anti-Homosexuality" bill into law. This still punishes homosexuality with imprisonment up to life, but the bill allows "aggravated homosexuality" to be punished by death. The definition of "aggravated homosexuality" includes three main categories. 1. Consensual sex between adults wherein the party is a second-time offender. 2. Rape, against an adult or a child. 3. Homosexual activities performed by those with HIV, or that involve a disabled or elderly person. "Attempted homosexuality" is also punishable by law, meeting up to 10 years in prison, while "attempted aggravated homosexuality" can be met with up to 14 years.
  • May 25
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    The practice, and advertisement, of conversion therapy was banned after 36 members of parliament (out of 50 total) voted to pass the new bill into law.
  • May 21
    Gender-affirming care becomes banned.
    Being transgender in Uganda is illegal due to the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA).
  • May 19
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes not legally recognized.
    The Federal Shariat Court struck down the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, declaring it un-Islamic.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    The Federal Shariat Court struck down the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, declaring it un-Islamic.
  • May 17
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes varies by region.
    In 2023, Mexico recognized gender X on all forms of ID including passports. Drivers’ licenses are yet to come with this change as they rely on state laws.
  • May 16
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Taiwan's parliament passed an amendment allowing same-sex couples to jointly adopt children.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    In 2023, Namibia’s top court ruled that Namibia must recognize same-sex marriages performed in other countries. On December 30th, 2024, the Marriage Act (2024) was assented to. The bill includes a ban on same-sex marriage. It has not come into effect though, because the Minister of Justice has not set a date on which it will come into force.
  • May 11
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    The new FDA policy on blood donation eliminates deferrals and screening questions specific to men who have sex with men (MSM). Prospective donors will be asked the same set of questions regardless of their sex or sexual orientation.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).
    The FDA changed its rules on men who have sex with men donating blood to a three-month deferral period in May of 2023
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    The Employment Act, 2023 bans discrimination based on "sexuality" and unfair dismissal based on an employee’s sexual orientation (92.1.f).
  • May 3
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    The Governor of Indiana signed a bill into law in May 2023 that prohibited local jurisdictions of enacting their own ordinances against the practice of conversion therapy effectively keeping the practice legal across the state until a state measure comes into effect.
  • May 2
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In a landmark bill, Neuchâtel's parliament banned conversion therapy in May of 2023.
  • May 1
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    Minors under the age of 18 are unable to receive gender affirming care of all forms, making it a felony for those who try to do gender affirming care for minors. Adults over the age of 18, are able to receive gender affirming care in Oklahoma.
  • April 20
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    Adults over the age of 19 are eligible for gender affirming care under Medicaid. Minors under 18-19 are unable to get gender affirming care, there is a court case going on for the gender affirming care ban for minors. The new law is still in effect.
  • April 3
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    A new legislation lifted the former requirements for gender-affirming surgery and sterilization in order to legally change one’s gender. Recognition will be available for adults upon written application after a mandatory 30-day "period of reflection". Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to change their gender status. The new law comes in effect on April 3rd 2023.
  • April 1
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    Tennessee introduced a bill banning "adult show performances" where minors could be present or be able to see. The wording of the bill describes "dressing as a gender different from the one assigned at birth" as part of a performance to be not suited for minors and thus banned in public spaces. This not only bans drag shows, but any performance from a trans person in public.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    On April 1 2023, the Transfusion Act (Transfusionsgesetz, TFG) was amended to fully remove restrictions on blood donations by MSMs. Accordingly, the amendment to the law obliged the German Medical Association to subsequently adapt the blood donation guidelines within four months in agreement with the Paul Ehrlich Institute, Germany’s medical regulatory body.
  • March 31
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but restricted for minors.
    Adults over the age of 18 are still able to freely get gender affirming care. SB 1138, specifically prohibits doctors from giving minors defined as under 18. Surgeries are banned for minors, HRT (Hormone replacement therapy) is not.
  • March 29
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    On March 29th 2023, SB 150 was passed in Kentucky which contains a ban on the education of gender identity or sexual orientation.
  • March 22
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    Gender affirming care is banned for minors under SF538, as of 2023. Adults are still able to get gender affirming care in Iowa, minors are defined as under 18 in this bill. Iowa doctors are subjected to prosecution if found doing gender affirming care to minors even with parental consent.
  • March 20
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    The Broadcasting Code for Broadcasting Licensees issued in 2018 bans hate speech and violence of any person or group of persons because of their sexual orientation. In March 2023, the Supreme Court overturned the 2021 decision banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
  • March 16
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Legislation was passed to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (originally passed in 1976). All citizens of Michigan now receive "equal treatment under the law" regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    The Supreme Court of Justice annulled section 565 of the Military Justice Code, which previously banned same-sex sexual activity in armed forces. The court found that the law was incompatible with the Constitution and international agreements on human rights. However, transgender people were not explicitly mentioned in the ruling but there is no known law banning them.
  • March 14
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    Mentioning gender identity or sexual orientation to students before grade 5 is banned.
  • March 3
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal.
    There are no excessive restrictions placed specifically on transgender people's access to gender-affirming care. This guidance has been revoked and reinstated multiple times, they were last reinstated on 3/3/23
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.
    Ministry of Health approved a Public Health Standard, eliminating the forced sterilisation requirement for changing the gender marker in the Registry Office.
  • February 28
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    It is Illegal to provide gender affirming care to minors in Mississippi following bill HB1125. As always, there is an exception made for intersex infants categorised in the aforementioned bill as "medically verifiable disorder of sex development".
  • February 22
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2023, Parana began providing legal recognition to nonbinary people.
  • February 21
    Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    In February 2023, the starkly split (28-21) Highest Court of Bulgaria ruled that people could not change the gender marker on their legal documents.
  • February 17
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    After first being announced in March of 2020, and then being delayed, partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on July 21, 2022, the Andorran government passed a law granting marriage rights to same-sex couples in the country. The law ultimately took effect in February 2023.
  • February 16
    Intersex infant surgery becomes full ban.
    With the approval of the Trans Law on February 16, 2023, it was established that intersex minors should not receive unnecessary medical interventions, except in cases where medical advice requires otherwise in order to protect the health of the individual.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2023, Pernambuco began providing recognition to nonbinary people after a lawsuit ended in a nonbinary person's favour.
  • February 15
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    In 2023, the Amazonas State passed a law that banned the use of gender-neutral and non-binary language in schools. The law would be overturned in May 2024.
  • February 10
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes no censorship.
    In 2023, the Federal Supreme Court ruled Rondonia's ban on gender-neutral and non-binary language in schools to be unconstitutional. Since then, there have been no known laws censoring LGBTIQ+ topics in Rondonia.
  • February 9
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2023, Moldova passed Law No. 2 which includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics from any kind of discrimination, including housing. This law also applies in Gagauzia.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2023, Moldova passed Law No. 2 which includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics from any kind of discrimination, including housing. This law also applies in Chişinău.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2023, Moldova passed Law No. 2 which includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics from any kind of discrimination, including housing.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2023, the Parliament of Moldova passed Law No. 2 which included sexual orientation and gender identity among grounds protected from "any kind of discrimination". This law also applies in Gagauzia.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2023, the Parliament of Moldova passed Law No. 2 which included sexual orientation and gender identity among grounds protected from "any kind of discrimination". This law also applies in Chişinău.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2023, Moldova updated its laws against discrimination to include gender identity as a protected characteristic, including in employment. This law applies to Chisinau.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2023, Moldova updated its laws against discrimination to include gender identity as a protected characteristic, including in employment. This law applies to Gagauzia.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2023, The Parliament of Moldova passed Law No.2 (2023) which included sexual orientation and gender identity among grounds protected from "any kind of discrimination". Protections in employment are included as well.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2023, The Parliament of Moldova passed Law No.2 (2023) which included sexual orientation and gender identity among grounds protected from "any kind of discrimination".
  • February 6
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    The Court of Final Appeal ruled in favour of the two men and found the surgical requirement unconstitutional.
  • February 2
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    The United States Virgin Islands has prohibited anti-gay discrimination against sexual orientation and gender identity since 2023.
  • February 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    2 or more same-sex couples cannot adopt. A gay man who is not in a relationship can adopt.
  • February
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Sexual orientation was added as a protected category from discrimination in the constitution of the Netherlands after votes in Senate and House Of Representatives were successful. Previously the Equal Rights Act of 1993 protected sexual orientation and had been interpreted to protect gender identity, expression and sex characteristics as well.
  • January 31
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2023, Tocantins passed a law granted legal recognition to nonbinary people.
  • January 28
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    Adults are still able to get gender affirming care under Utah law, Minors are unable to get gender affirming care under HB0316. Incarcerated transgender people will be placed in their biological sexes holding cells. Example being a transgender male to get incarcerated then he would go to the females holding cells due to his biological sex. Under SB16, inmates are forced to go to their gender assigned at birth cells.
  • January 27
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2023, Paraiba began providing legal recognition to nonbinary people.
  • January 23
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    In 2023, Zacatecas provided legal gender recognition on the basis of self-identification.
  • January 21
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    On July 21st, 2022, the Andorran government passed a law that allows transgender people to change their gender without medical intervention. The law took effect 6 months after it passed, on January 21st, 2023.
  • January 18
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    In 2023, the state of Parana sanctioned a law that prohibited the usage of gender-neutral and non-binary language in public schools.
  • January 15
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    On 15 January 2023, a court in Rome ruled against a school who had fired a trans professor due to her gender identity, claiming that it amounted to sex discrimination.
  • January 3
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    On 21 August 2022, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced at the National Day Rally that the Government would repeal section 377A of the Penal Code 1871. Later, on the 29th of November 2022, the Singaporean parliament voted in favor of decriminalizing gay sex. Then, on December 27th, 2022, the act was assented to by the President. The repeal took effect on January 3rd, 2023.
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The age of consent in Singapore is 16 for opposite-sex sexual activity, female-female sexual activity and male-male sexual activity.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    The Employment Act, 2023 bans discrimination based on "sexuality" and unfair dismissal based on an employee’s sexual orientation (92.1.f).
  • January
    Gender-affirming care becomes restricted.
    In January 2023, the Bosnian government passed legislation making gender affirming healthcare less affordable and more difficult to access. The law also considers certain procedures as ineligible for funding forcing trans Bosnians to seek such care abroad.
  • (date unknown)
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal.
    In 2023, the Gender Identity Support Program "Crece con Orgullo" began operating, which is aimed at children and adolescents from 3 to 17 years old, and includes gender-affirmative care. The state program was born under Decree 3 (2019) created by the Regulation of Article 23 of Law No. 21,120, which recognizes and protects the Right to Gender Identity.
  • January 1
    Gender-affirming care becomes restricted.
    SB 254 bans all gender-affirming care for minors and some adults. Adults have to go through only a certified physician and have to go through rigorous mental health checks with board-certified psychiatrists. SB-254 also arrests "government entities" for administering gender-affirming care.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Bulgaria has recently been stepping up against lgbtq+ discrimination. Widely supported legislation
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Discrimination in bulgaria is illegal. Recently Bulgaria has stepped up against anti lgbtq discrimination with new legislation

LGBT Organizations Founded in 2023