Worldwide laws, ChatGTP, 20 August 2024
Oceania
Here's an overview of the legal status of LGBTQ+ rights across countries and territories in Oceania:
### **1. Australia**
- **Legal Status**: Australia is one of the most progressive countries in Oceania regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized nationwide in December 2017 following a national postal survey and subsequent legislation by the Australian Parliament.
- **Gender Identity**: Transgender individuals can change their gender markers on official documents, and some states allow for a non-binary or gender-neutral option. Gender affirmation surgery is not required for these changes in several states.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status. The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 was amended in 2013 to include these protections.
- **Military Service**: LGBTQ+ individuals can serve openly in the Australian Defence Force, and discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited.
### **2. New Zealand**
- **Legal Status**: New Zealand is highly progressive in terms of LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized in 2013, making New Zealand one of the first countries in the Asia-Pacific region to do so.
- **Gender Identity**: Transgender individuals can change their gender markers on official documents, including passports and birth certificates, although the requirements can vary.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: The Human Rights Act 1993 prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. New Zealand is also known for its supportive legal framework for intersex individuals.
- **Military Service**: LGBTQ+ individuals can serve openly in the New Zealand Defence Force, which is recognized for its inclusive policies.
### **3. Fiji**
- **Legal Status**: Fiji has made some progress in LGBTQ+ rights, but challenges remain.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and the constitution explicitly defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
- **Gender Identity**: There is no specific legal recognition for transgender individuals to change their gender markers on official documents.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: The Fijian Constitution prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, but societal acceptance is limited, and LGBTQ+ individuals face significant challenges.
### **4. Papua New Guinea**
- **Legal Status**: Papua New Guinea is one of the more conservative countries in Oceania regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and homosexuality is illegal under colonial-era laws, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
- **Gender Identity**: There is no legal recognition for transgender individuals, and there are no specific protections against discrimination based on gender identity.
- **Social Attitudes**: LGBTQ+ individuals face significant societal discrimination and violence, with little legal recourse or protection.
### **5. Samoa**
- **Legal Status**: Samoa is relatively conservative in terms of LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and homosexuality is illegal, with penalties including up to 7 years in prison. However, laws criminalizing homosexuality are not always actively enforced.
- **Gender Identity**: Samoa has a cultural recognition of fa'afafine, a traditional third-gender role, but there is no formal legal recognition for gender identity changes.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: There are no specific anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, and societal acceptance is limited.
### **6. Tonga**
- **Legal Status**: Tonga is also conservative regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and homosexuality is illegal, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison.
- **Gender Identity**: There is no legal recognition for transgender individuals, and no protections against discrimination based on gender identity.
- **Social Attitudes**: LGBTQ+ individuals face significant societal discrimination and challenges, and there is limited visibility for LGBTQ+ issues.
### **7. Vanuatu**
- **Legal Status**: Vanuatu has conservative views on LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and homosexuality is illegal, though enforcement is rare.
- **Gender Identity**: There is no legal recognition for gender identity changes, and no specific anti-discrimination protections.
- **Social Attitudes**: LGBTQ+ issues are rarely discussed publicly, and there is significant social stigma associated with non-heteronormative identities.
### **8. French Polynesia (Territory of France)**
- **Legal Status**: As a territory of France, French Polynesia follows French law regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized in 2013 when France legalized same-sex marriage.
- **Gender Identity**: French law allows for legal gender changes, though the process can be complex.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: French anti-discrimination laws, which include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, apply in French Polynesia.
### **9. Guam (Territory of the United States)**
- **Legal Status**: As a territory of the United States, Guam follows U.S. federal law regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized in 2015 following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in *Obergefell v. Hodges*.
- **Gender Identity**: U.S. federal laws apply, allowing for gender marker changes on passports and other federal documents. Guam also follows these guidelines.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: U.S. anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals in Guam, but local enforcement can vary.
### **10. Solomon Islands**
- **Legal Status**: The Solomon Islands are conservative regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and homosexuality is illegal under colonial-era laws, with penalties including up to 14 years in prison.
- **Gender Identity**: There is no legal recognition for gender identity changes, and no specific protections against discrimination.
- **Social Attitudes**: LGBTQ+ individuals face significant social stigma and discrimination, with little public discussion or support for LGBTQ+ rights.
### **Summary**
Oceania presents a diverse landscape regarding LGBTQ+ rights, with countries like Australia and New Zealand leading the way in legal protections and recognition, including same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination laws. In contrast, many Pacific Island nations, such as Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga, maintain conservative laws that criminalize homosexuality and offer little to no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Social attitudes in these regions often reflect traditional and religious views, contributing to challenges for LGBTQ+ communities.
Africa
Here is a detailed overview of the legal status of LGBTQ+ rights across African countries, including laws that affect the queer community:
### **1. Northern Africa**
- **Algeria**: Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by fines and up to 3 years in prison under Article 338 of the Penal Code.
- **Egypt**: While homosexuality itself is not explicitly illegal, laws on debauchery and public morality are often used to persecute LGBTQ+ individuals, with possible sentences of up to 17 years.
- **Libya**: Homosexuality is illegal, punishable by imprisonment ranging from 3 to 5 years under Article 407 and Article 408 of the Penal Code.
- **Morocco**: Article 489 of the Penal Code criminalizes "lewd or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex" with penalties ranging from 6 months to 3 years in prison and fines.
- **Sudan**: Same-sex relations were decriminalized in 2020, but public morality laws can still be used against LGBTQ+ individuals.
- **Tunisia**: Article 230 of the Penal Code punishes sodomy with up to 3 years in prison.
### **2. West Africa**
- **Benin**: Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal, but public morality laws could be used to prosecute LGBTQ+ individuals.
- **Burkina Faso**: Homosexuality is not criminalized, but there is no legal recognition or protection for LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Cape Verde**: Homosexuality is legal, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.
- **Côte d'Ivoire**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no protections against discrimination.
- **Gambia**: Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The 2014 law also includes life imprisonment for "aggravated homosexuality."
- **Ghana**: Homosexuality is illegal under Section 104 of the Criminal Code, with penalties of up to 3 years in prison.
- **Guinea**: Homosexual acts are illegal and punishable by fines and up to 3 years in prison.
- **Liberia**: Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and punishable by up to one year in prison.
- **Mali**: Homosexuality is legal, but there is no legal protection against discrimination.
- **Mauritania**: Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death under Islamic law, although this is not frequently enforced.
- **Niger**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no protections or recognitions for LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Nigeria**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. In northern states under Sharia law, it is punishable by death.
- **Senegal**: Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
- **Sierra Leone**: Homosexuality is illegal, and sodomy is punishable by life imprisonment.
- **Togo**: Homosexuality is illegal, punishable by up to 3 years in prison.
### **3. Central Africa**
- **Angola**: Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2019, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.
- **Cameroon**: Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
- **Central African Republic**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties of up to 2 years in prison.
- **Chad**: A 2017 law criminalized same-sex sexual activity with penalties of up to 2 years in prison and fines.
- **Democratic Republic of the Congo**: Homosexuality is legal, but LGBTQ+ individuals face societal discrimination and violence.
- **Equatorial Guinea**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties up to 6 years in prison.
- **Gabon**: Homosexuality was criminalized in 2019, but the law was repealed in 2020, making it legal again.
- **Republic of Congo (Brazzaville)**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
### **4. East Africa**
- **Burundi**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties of up to 2 years in prison.
- **Djibouti**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no protections against discrimination.
- **Eritrea**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties including imprisonment.
- **Ethiopia**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties ranging from 1 to 15 years in prison.
- **Kenya**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Recent court rulings have upheld these laws.
- **Rwanda**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no specific protections or recognitions for LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Somalia**: Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death in regions under Sharia law.
- **South Sudan**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties including 10 years in prison or life imprisonment.
- **Tanzania**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties ranging from 30 years to life imprisonment.
- **Uganda**: Homosexuality is illegal, with severe penalties including life imprisonment. The 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Bill imposes even harsher penalties.
### **5. Southern Africa**
- **Botswana**: Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2019, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited.
- **Eswatini (Swaziland)**: Homosexuality is illegal, but the law is rarely enforced.
- **Lesotho**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no protections against discrimination.
- **Malawi**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties including up to 14 years in prison.
- **Mozambique**: Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2015, and the law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.
- **Namibia**: Homosexuality is technically illegal under colonial-era laws, but the laws are not enforced, and the government is considering reforms.
- **South Africa**: Homosexuality is legal, and the country has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ rights protections, including same-sex marriage.
- **Zambia**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison.
- **Zimbabwe**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison.
### **6. Indian Ocean Islands**
- **Comoros**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison.
- **Madagascar**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no protections against discrimination.
- **Mauritius**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties including up to 5 years in prison, but the government has been working on decriminalization.
- **Seychelles**: Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2016, and there are some protections against discrimination.
### **7. Horn of Africa**
- **Eritrea**: Homosexuality is illegal, with severe penalties, including imprisonment.
- **Ethiopia**: Homosexuality is illegal, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- **Somalia**: Homosexuality is illegal, and in regions governed by Sharia law, it is punishable by death.
### **Summary**
The legal landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals in Africa is diverse and complex. While some countries, particularly in Southern Africa, have made significant progress in recognizing LGBTQ+ rights, many others maintain harsh laws that criminalize same-sex relations, with penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment or even death. Social attitudes and the enforcement of these laws vary widely, and LGBTQ+ individuals in many African countries face significant legal and social challenges.
For more specific and up-to-date information, consulting legal databases or human rights organizations like ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) is recommended.
Middle East
The legal status of LGBTQ+ rights in Middle Eastern countries is predominantly restrictive, with many nations criminalizing same-sex relationships and enforcing severe penalties. Here's a detailed overview:
### **1. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries**
- **Bahrain**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. The law criminalizes "immoral" acts and "public indecency."
- **Kuwait**: Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to 7 years in prison. Article 193 of the Penal Code specifically targets men engaging in same-sex relations.
- **Oman**: Same-sex relations are illegal and punishable by imprisonment of up to 3 years under Article 33 of the Penal Code.
- **Qatar**: Homosexuality is illegal, and under Sharia law, it is punishable by death, although this is not commonly enforced. More frequently, penalties include imprisonment and fines.
- **Saudi Arabia**: Homosexuality is illegal, and under strict interpretations of Sharia law, it can be punishable by death, although imprisonment and corporal punishment are more commonly enforced.
- **United Arab Emirates (UAE)**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties including imprisonment, fines, and deportation. The Penal Code and various emirate-specific laws criminalize homosexual acts.
### **2. Levant**
- **Jordan**: Homosexuality is legal, as Jordan decriminalized same-sex relations in 1951. However, LGBTQ+ individuals face significant social stigma and discrimination, with no legal protections against hate crimes or discrimination.
- **Lebanon**: While Article 534 of the Penal Code has been used to criminalize "unnatural" sexual acts, recent court rulings have challenged this interpretation, offering some hope for the decriminalization of homosexuality. However, LGBTQ+ individuals still face harassment and discrimination.
- **Syria**: Homosexuality is illegal under Article 520 of the Penal Code, with penalties including up to 3 years in prison. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the dangers for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- **Palestinian Territories**:
- **West Bank**: Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal, but LGBTQ+ individuals face severe social stigma and persecution.
- **Gaza Strip**: Homosexuality is illegal under Hamas rule, and it is punishable by imprisonment and corporal punishment.
### **3. Iran**
- **Iran**: Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death under the Islamic Penal Code, particularly for men. Women may face lashes and imprisonment. The government conducts extensive surveillance and entrapment operations against suspected LGBTQ+ individuals.
### **4. Iraq**
- **Iraq**: Homosexuality is not explicitly criminalized under national law, but LGBTQ+ individuals face extreme violence, including extrajudicial killings by militias. There is no legal protection against discrimination, and local interpretations of morality laws are often used to target LGBTQ+ people.
- **Kurdistan Region**: The autonomous region of Kurdistan in northern Iraq is relatively more tolerant, but LGBTQ+ individuals still face legal and social challenges.
### **5. Israel**
- **Israel**: Homosexuality is legal, and Israel has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ rights laws in the region, including anti-discrimination protections, the right to serve openly in the military, and recognition of same-sex marriages performed abroad. Tel Aviv is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and annual Pride events.
### **6. Turkey**
- **Turkey**: Homosexuality is legal, but LGBTQ+ individuals face increasing repression, including police harassment and violence. The government has banned Pride events in recent years, and there are no comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
### **7. Yemen**
- **Yemen**: Homosexuality is illegal, and under Sharia law, it is punishable by death, flogging, or imprisonment, depending on the region and specific circumstances. The ongoing civil war has further marginalized the LGBTQ+ community.
### **8. Egypt**:
- **Egypt**: Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal, but the government aggressively targets LGBTQ+ individuals under laws against debauchery, immorality, and public indecency. Arrests, torture, and imprisonment are common, and social media is often monitored to entrap individuals.
### **9. Bahrain**
- **Bahrain**: Homosexuality is illegal under its Penal Code, and penalties include imprisonment and fines. Public morality laws are also used to suppress LGBTQ+ activities and visibility.
### **Conclusion**:
LGBTQ+ individuals in the Middle East face significant legal and social challenges, with many countries criminalizing same-sex relationships and imposing severe penalties. However, there are some variations, with countries like Israel and Jordan offering relatively more tolerance, although still limited compared to global standards. The situation remains precarious for LGBTQ+ communities across the region, with many facing violence, discrimination, and persecution.
Asia
Here’s an overview of the legal status of LGBTQ+ rights in various Asian countries:
### **1. East Asia**
- **China**: Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1997, but there are no protections against discrimination, and same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- **Japan**: Homosexuality is legal, and some cities offer partnership certificates for same-sex couples. However, there is no national recognition of same-sex marriage.
- **South Korea**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no protections against discrimination, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. Homosexual acts are criminalized in the military.
- **North Korea**: Homosexuality is believed to be illegal, but information is limited. The regime is highly repressive, and there is no public acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ issues.
- **Taiwan**: Homosexuality is legal, and Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage in 2019, becoming the first country in Asia to do so.
- **Mongolia**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no specific legal protections against discrimination.
### **2. Southeast Asia**
- **Brunei**: Homosexuality is illegal, and under Sharia law, it is punishable by death, although enforcement of this law has been delayed.
- **Cambodia**: Homosexuality is legal, but there is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships, and LGBTQ+ individuals face social stigma.
- **Indonesia**: Homosexuality is not explicitly illegal, except in the provinces of Aceh and South Sumatra, where Sharia law applies, and same-sex acts are punishable by caning. Social attitudes are generally conservative.
- **Laos**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no legal protections or recognition of LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Malaysia**: Homosexuality is illegal, with severe penalties under both civil and Sharia law, including imprisonment, fines, and corporal punishment.
- **Myanmar**: Homosexuality is illegal under colonial-era laws, with penalties including imprisonment.
- **Philippines**: Homosexuality is legal, and the LGBTQ+ movement is growing. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no national anti-discrimination laws.
- **Singapore**: Homosexuality is technically illegal under Section 377A of the Penal Code, which criminalizes sex between men, though the law is not actively enforced. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- **Thailand**: Homosexuality is legal, and the country is known for its relative openness. However, same-sex marriage is not yet legal, though civil partnership laws are being considered.
- **Vietnam**: Homosexuality is legal, and a ban on same-sex marriage was lifted in 2015, though same-sex marriages are not legally recognized.
### **3. South Asia**
- **Afghanistan**: Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death under Sharia law.
- **Bangladesh**: Homosexuality is illegal under Section 377 of the Penal Code, with penalties including life imprisonment.
- **Bhutan**: Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2021, but there are no protections against discrimination.
- **India**: Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018, but same-sex marriage is not recognized. There are ongoing efforts to secure more rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
- **Maldives**: Homosexuality is illegal under Sharia law, with penalties including imprisonment, corporal punishment, or death.
- **Nepal**: Homosexuality is legal, and Nepal is relatively progressive, with constitutional protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Same-sex marriage is under consideration.
- **Pakistan**: Homosexuality is illegal under both the Penal Code and Sharia law, with severe penalties, including death. The transgender community, however, has some legal recognition and protections.
- **Sri Lanka**: Homosexuality is illegal under colonial-era laws, with penalties including imprisonment, although there have been recent calls for decriminalization.
### **4. Central Asia**
- **Kazakhstan**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no protections against discrimination, and LGBTQ+ individuals face significant social stigma.
- **Kyrgyzstan**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no protections against discrimination. There have been attempts to introduce anti-LGBTQ+ "propaganda" laws.
- **Tajikistan**: Homosexuality is legal, but there are no protections against discrimination. LGBTQ+ individuals face significant social stigma.
- **Turkmenistan**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties including imprisonment.
- **Uzbekistan**: Homosexuality is illegal, with penalties including imprisonment.
### **Summary**
LGBTQ+ rights in Asia are highly diverse, ranging from progressive countries like Taiwan and Nepal to extremely repressive environments like Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia. Many countries maintain colonial-era laws that criminalize homosexuality, while others have seen significant progress in recent years. Social attitudes often lag behind legal changes, and LGBTQ+ individuals in many parts of Asia face significant challenges in terms of discrimination, violence, and lack of legal recognition.
South American
The legal status and societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights in South American countries vary widely. Here’s an overview of the current laws and legal protections (or lack thereof) regarding the queer community across the continent:
### **1. Argentina**
- **Legal Status**: Argentina is one of the most progressive countries in South America regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized in 2010, making Argentina the first country in Latin America to do so.
- **Gender Identity**: Argentina's Gender Identity Law (2012) is one of the most comprehensive in the world, allowing individuals to change their gender on official documents without requiring surgery or judicial approval.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Protections exist against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
### **2. Brazil**
- **Legal Status**: Brazil has legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals but also faces high levels of violence against the community.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized nationwide in 2013 by a ruling from the National Justice Council.
- **Gender Identity**: Transgender individuals can change their legal gender without surgery.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: The Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is equivalent to racism and is punishable under Brazil's anti-racism law.
### **3. Chile**
- **Legal Status**: Chile has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights, especially in recent years.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized in March 2022.
- **Gender Identity**: The Gender Identity Law, enacted in 2018, allows transgender individuals to change their name and gender in official records.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: The Anti-Discrimination Law (2012) includes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
### **4. Colombia**
- **Legal Status**: Colombia is one of the more progressive countries in South America regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized in 2016 following a ruling by the Constitutional Court.
- **Gender Identity**: Transgender people can change their legal gender without surgery.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: There are legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
### **5. Ecuador**
- **Legal Status**: Ecuador has legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, though social attitudes can be conservative.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized in 2019 following a Constitutional Court ruling.
- **Gender Identity**: Transgender individuals can change their gender on official documents without surgery.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: The constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
### **6. Paraguay**
- **Legal Status**: Paraguay is one of the more conservative countries in South America regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized; the constitution explicitly defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
- **Gender Identity**: There is no legal recognition or ability for transgender individuals to change their gender on official documents.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: There are no specific protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
### **7. Peru**
- **Legal Status**: Peru has made some progress but remains relatively conservative on LGBTQ+ issues.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, though there are ongoing legal challenges and activism.
- **Gender Identity**: Transgender individuals face legal challenges in changing their gender on official documents.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: There are no comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, although some regions and municipalities offer limited protections.
### **8. Uruguay**
- **Legal Status**: Uruguay is highly progressive regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized in 2013.
- **Gender Identity**: The Gender Identity Law allows individuals to change their legal gender and name without the need for surgery or judicial approval.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Uruguay has robust anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
### **9. Venezuela**
- **Legal Status**: Venezuela has legal challenges and societal stigma against LGBTQ+ individuals.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, although there have been calls for legalization.
- **Gender Identity**: There are limited legal options for transgender individuals to change their gender.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: The constitution mentions non-discrimination, but there are no specific laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals.
### **10. Bolivia**
- **Legal Status**: Bolivia has seen some progress but remains conservative in many aspects.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, though civil unions have been recognized since 2020 in specific cases.
- **Gender Identity**: The Gender Identity Law (2016) allows transgender individuals to change their name and gender on official documents.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: The constitution includes protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
### **Summary**
South America has a diverse range of laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights. Countries like Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia are leading the way with progressive laws, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and strong anti-discrimination protections. In contrast, countries like Paraguay and Venezuela remain conservative, with limited legal recognition and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The continent as a whole has seen significant progress over the past few decades, but challenges remain, particularly in regions with strong conservative or religious influences.
North America
Here's an overview of the legal status of LGBTQ+ rights across countries in North America, including both legal protections and areas where LGBTQ+ individuals face challenges:
### **1. United States**
- **Legal Status**: The United States has a complex and evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ rights, with significant legal protections at the federal level but varying levels of protection across individual states.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized nationwide by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2015 ruling in *Obergefell v. Hodges*.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal recognition of gender identity varies by state. Many states allow changes to gender markers on official documents, but the process and requirements differ.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: The Supreme Court ruled in 2020 (*Bostock v. Clayton County*) that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, also protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, state-level protections vary widely.
- **Military Service**: LGBTQ+ individuals can serve openly in the military, and the ban on transgender individuals serving was lifted in 2021.
### **2. Canada**
- **Legal Status**: Canada is one of the most progressive countries globally regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized nationwide in 2005, making Canada the fourth country in the world to do so.
- **Gender Identity**: Canada has comprehensive laws allowing individuals to change their gender markers on identification documents, and several provinces have implemented gender-neutral options.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, hate speech and hate crimes laws include protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- **Military Service**: LGBTQ+ individuals, including transgender people, have been able to serve openly in the Canadian Armed Forces since the early 1990s.
### **3. Mexico**
- **Legal Status**: Mexico has made significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights, although legal protections vary widely across states.
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal nationwide as of 2022, with the Supreme Court ruling that state bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. However, the implementation has been uneven, with some states adopting legislation more slowly than others.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal recognition of gender identity also varies by state, with several states allowing individuals to change their gender markers on official documents.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited under federal law, and many states have similar protections. However, enforcement of these laws can be inconsistent.
- **Military Service**: LGBTQ+ individuals can serve openly in the military, and transgender people have been allowed to serve since 2014.
### **4. Central American Countries (part of North America geographically)**
- **Belize**: Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2016 after a landmark court ruling. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination protections specifically for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- **Guatemala**: Homosexuality is legal, but same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no specific legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Social attitudes remain conservative.
- **Honduras**: Homosexuality is legal, but same-sex marriage is constitutionally banned. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited in employment, but enforcement is weak.
- **El Salvador**: Homosexuality is legal, but same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Violence against LGBTQ+ people is a significant issue.
- **Nicaragua**: Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2008, but same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no specific legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- **Costa Rica**: Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2020, making Costa Rica the first Central American country to do so. There are legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- **Panama**: Homosexuality is legal, but same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no specific anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
### **5. Caribbean (Selected Countries and Territories)**
- **Cuba**: Homosexuality is legal, and a new family code was approved in 2022 that allows same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples. Anti-discrimination protections exist, but LGBTQ+ individuals still face societal challenges.
- **Jamaica**: Homosexuality is illegal under colonial-era laws, with penalties including imprisonment. There are no protections against discrimination, and LGBTQ+ individuals face significant societal violence and stigma.
- **Puerto Rico (U.S. Territory)**: Same-sex marriage is legal, and federal anti-discrimination protections apply, but societal acceptance can vary.
- **Dominican Republic**: Homosexuality is legal, but there is no recognition of same-sex relationships, and no specific anti-discrimination laws exist. Social attitudes are generally conservative.
- **Trinidad and Tobago**: Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018 following a court ruling, but same-sex marriage is not recognized, and societal acceptance is limited.
### **Summary**
LGBTQ+ rights in North America vary significantly across the continent. Canada and the United States have comprehensive legal protections, though challenges remain in certain areas. Mexico has made significant progress, particularly with the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide. In contrast, Central American countries and many Caribbean nations still have varying degrees of legal recognition and protections, with some areas maintaining harsh laws and widespread societal discrimination.
Europe
Here's an overview of the legal status of LGBTQ+ rights across Europe:
### **1. Western Europe**
- **France**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized in 2013.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed without requiring surgery or sterilization.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Comprehensive protections exist against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- **Germany**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legalized in 2017.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, though the process can be complex and varies by state.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Strong legal protections exist against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- **United Kingdom**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal in England, Wales, and Scotland since 2014, and in Northern Ireland since 2020.
- **Gender Identity**: The Gender Recognition Act 2004 allows transgender individuals to change their legal gender, but reforms to make the process easier have been debated.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Extensive protections exist under the Equality Act 2010.
### **2. Northern Europe**
- **Norway**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2009.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed without requiring surgery.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Strong protections exist against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- **Sweden**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2009.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, and Sweden was one of the first countries to allow legal gender change without sterilization.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Comprehensive protections exist, and Sweden has a strong reputation for LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Denmark**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2012.
- **Gender Identity**: Denmark was the first country to allow legal gender changes without a medical diagnosis in 2014.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Denmark has robust protections against discrimination, including for LGBTQ+ individuals.
### **3. Southern Europe**
- **Italy**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not legal, but civil unions have been recognized since 2016.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, but the process is often complex.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Protections exist, but Italy is considered to lag behind other Western European countries in LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Spain**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2005.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, and recent reforms have simplified the process.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Strong protections exist, and Spain is seen as a leader in LGBTQ+ rights in Europe.
- **Portugal**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2010.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, with a simplified process since 2018.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Portugal has comprehensive protections against discrimination.
### **4. Eastern Europe**
- **Poland**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and the constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed but require a court process and often parental consent.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Limited protections exist, and Poland has seen significant anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies in recent years.
- **Russia**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and the constitution was amended in 2020 to explicitly define marriage as between a man and a woman.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, but the process is strict and involves significant bureaucracy.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: There are no protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The country’s “gay propaganda” law prohibits the promotion of LGBTQ+ issues to minors.
- **Hungary**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and the constitution defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
- **Gender Identity**: In 2020, Hungary passed a law prohibiting legal gender changes.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: While there are some protections against discrimination, recent laws and policies have been increasingly hostile to LGBTQ+ rights.
### **5. Central Europe**
- **Austria**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2019.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, and the process is relatively straightforward.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Strong protections exist, particularly in employment and services.
- **Switzerland**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since July 2022, following a public referendum.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, and new legislation is making the process easier.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Protections exist, and there is increasing support for expanding these protections.
- **Czech Republic**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not legal, but registered partnerships have been recognized since 2006.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, though surgery is currently required.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Protections exist, but there is ongoing debate about extending them.
### **6. The Balkans**
- **Croatia**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, but civil partnerships have been recognized since 2014.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, but the process can be complicated.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Protections exist, but LGBTQ+ individuals face social challenges and stigma.
- **Serbia**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and there is strong opposition to legalizing it.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed but require medical procedures.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Limited protections exist, but LGBTQ+ individuals often face social stigma and violence.
- **Albania**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, but there have been discussions about introducing civil unions.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, but the process is not well-defined.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Albania has anti-discrimination laws, but enforcement is weak.
### **7. Nordic Countries**
- **Iceland**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2010.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, and the process is straightforward.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Comprehensive protections exist, and Iceland is known for its strong support of LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Finland**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2017.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, but there have been calls to simplify the process.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Finland has strong protections against discrimination.
### **Summary**
Europe presents a diverse picture of LGBTQ+ rights, with Western and Northern Europe leading in terms of legal protections and social acceptance. Countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, and Spain are known for their comprehensive rights and protections. In contrast, Eastern European countries like Poland, Russia, and Hungary have more restrictive laws, and LGBTQ+ individuals in these regions face significant legal and social challenges. The Balkans and some Central European countries are somewhere in between, with varying degrees of recognition and protection.
You’ve covered the major regions of Europe in your overview of LGBTQ+ rights. However, a few small states and territories within or associated with Europe might have been overlooked. Here’s a brief summary to ensure completeness:
### **1. Microstates in Europe**
- **Andorra**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2023.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, but the process is not well-defined.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Andorra has laws protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- **Monaco**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, but a law allowing for civil unions (including same-sex couples) was passed in 2020.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, but there is limited legal framework.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: There are limited protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- **San Marino**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2022, following a referendum.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, but the process is not clearly defined.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: San Marino has laws that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
- **Liechtenstein**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Civil unions have been recognized since 2011, and same-sex marriage is under consideration.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed, but there is limited legal guidance.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Liechtenstein has protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- **Vatican City**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized; the Vatican opposes same-sex marriage based on Catholic doctrine.
- **Gender Identity**: There is no recognition or legal process for changing gender.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: The Vatican does not have specific anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, as it adheres to Catholic teachings that do not support LGBTQ+ rights.
### **2. Overseas Territories**
- **Gibraltar (British Overseas Territory)**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2016.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Gibraltar has comprehensive protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- **Faroe Islands (Denmark)**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2017.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Anti-discrimination laws exist, but social attitudes can be conservative.
- **Greenland (Denmark)**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal since 2016.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Greenland follows Denmark’s progressive laws regarding anti-discrimination.
- **Åland Islands (Finland)**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Legal, as part of Finland's legal framework.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Protections are consistent with Finnish laws.
### **3. Eastern European and Caucasus Microstates**
- **Armenia**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and homosexuality is not widely accepted.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed but require medical certification.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Limited protections exist, and social attitudes are generally conservative.
- **Azerbaijan**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and homosexuality is legal but socially stigmatized.
- **Gender Identity**: There is no clear legal process for changing gender.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: There are no specific protections, and LGBTQ+ individuals face significant discrimination and violence.
- **Georgia**:
- **Same-Sex Marriage**: Not recognized, and a constitutional amendment explicitly bans it.
- **Gender Identity**: Legal gender changes are allowed but require a complex process.
- **Anti-Discrimination**: Georgia has anti-discrimination laws, but enforcement is inconsistent, and LGBTQ+ individuals face significant societal challenges.
### **Summary**
You have not missed any major European regions, but including these microstates, overseas territories, and Caucasus countries adds completeness to your understanding of the LGBTQ+ legal landscape in Europe. The legal status of LGBTQ+ rights in these regions generally mirrors that of the larger countries they are associated with, although some, like Vatican City, have unique and notably restrictive laws.
Antarctica
Antarctica is unique in that it is not governed by any single country but rather by an international agreement known as the **Antarctic Treaty System** (ATS). Here’s a brief overview of how LGBTQ+ rights are understood in the context of Antarctica:
### **Legal Framework**
- **Antarctic Treaty System**: The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and entering into force in 1961, establishes Antarctica as a scientific preserve and bans military activity on the continent. The treaty does not address issues of civil rights, including LGBTQ+ rights.
- **Jurisdiction**: The legal status of individuals in Antarctica is determined by their country of origin. Scientists, researchers, and other personnel stationed there are subject to the laws of their home countries or the country that manages the research station they are working at. For example, a person from the United States working at a U.S. research station would be subject to U.S. laws, including those related to LGBTQ+ rights.
### **LGBTQ+ Rights in Practice**
- **No Permanent Residents**: Since Antarctica has no permanent population and only hosts temporary residents (primarily scientists and support staff from various countries), issues of legal recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals would be handled according to the laws of the country each person is from.
- **Cultural and Social Environment**: The cultural environment regarding LGBTQ+ rights can vary significantly depending on the nationalities of the people present in any given research station. However, research stations from countries with progressive LGBTQ+ laws likely reflect those values, creating an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
### **Challenges**
- **Isolation**: The extreme isolation and harsh environment of Antarctica can pose unique challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in terms of social support and access to resources.
- **Diversity**: With international teams working in close quarters, there may be varying levels of acceptance based on the diverse cultural backgrounds of the station personnel.
### **Conclusion**
LGBTQ+ rights in Antarctica are not directly governed by specific laws unique to the continent but are instead subject to the legal frameworks of the countries that operate the research stations. Therefore, the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in Antarctica largely depends on the laws and cultural norms of the participating nations. Since there are no permanent residents, any issues relating to LGBTQ+ rights would be handled on a case-by-case basis according to the home country of the individuals involved.