LGBT rights by country or territory

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For historical and current movements to further LGBT rights, see LGBT movements. For intersex rights, see Intersex human rights.
"LGBT right" redirects here. For the right-wing LGBT movement, see LGBT conservatism.

Death
  Prison; death not enforced
  Death under militias
  Prison, with arrests or detention
  Prison, not enforced1
Same-sex intercourse legal. Recognition of unions:
  Marriage
  Extraterritorial marriage2
  Civil unions
  Limited domestic
  Limited foreign
  Optional certification
  None
  Restrictions of expression
  Restrictions of association with arrest or detention
Rings indicate local or case-by-case application.
1No imprisonment in the past three years or moratorium
on law.
2Marriage not available locally. Some jurisdictions may perform other types of partnerships.
LGBT rights at the United Nations
  
 Neither States which did not support either declaration
  
 Non-member states States that are not voting members of the United Nations
  
 Oppose States which supported an opposing declaration in 2008 and continued their opposition in 2011
  
 Subsequent member South Sudan, which was not a member of the United Nations in 2008
  
 Support States which supported the LGBT rights declaration in the General Assembly or on the Human Rights Council in 2008 or 2011
Rights
Theoretical distinctions
Human rights
Rights by beneficiary
Other groups of rights

Rights affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people vary greatly by country or jurisdiction—encompassing everything from the legal recognition of same-sex marriage to the death penalty for homosexuality.

Laws concerning gender identity-expression by country or territory
  Legal identity change, surgery not required
  Legal identity change, surgery required
  No legal identity change
  Unknown/Ambiguous

Notably, as of February 2024, 36 countries recognize

United Arab Emirates.[7][8] LGBT people also face extrajudicial killings in the Russian region of Chechnya.[9] Sudan rescinded its unenforced death penalty for anal sex (hetero- or homosexual) in 2020. Fifteen countries have stoning on the books as a penalty for adultery, which (in light of the illegality of gay marriage in those countries) would by default include gay sex, but this is enforced by the legal authorities in Iran and Nigeria (in the northern third of the country).[10][11][12][13][14]

In 2011, the

homosexual activity, and discrimination. Following the issuance of the report, the United Nations urged all countries which had not yet done so to enact laws protecting basic LGBT rights.[15][16] A 2022 study found that LGBT rights (as measured by ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Index) were correlated with less HIV/AIDS incidence among gay and bisexual men independently of risky sexual behavior.[17]

The 2023

better source needed] Asher & Lyric ranked Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands as the three safest nations for LGBT people in its 2023 index.[19]

Scope of laws

Laws that affect LGBT people include, but are not limited to, the following:

History of LGBT-related laws

See also:
LGBT social movements, History of homosexuality, and Sodomy law § History
Part of a series on
LGBT rights
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t
  • e

    • Ancient India

    Ayoni or non-vaginal sex of all types is punishable in the Arthashastra. Homosexual acts are, however, treated as a smaller offence punishable by a fine, while unlawful heterosexual sex carries much harsher punishment. The Dharmsastras, especially the later ones, prescribe against non-vaginal sex like the Vashistha Dharmasutra. The Yājñavalkya Smṛti prescribes fines for such acts including those with other men. Manusmriti prescribes light punishments for such acts.[20][21] Vanita states that the verses about punishment for a sex between female and a maiden is due to its strong emphasis on a maiden's sexual purity.[22]

    Ancient Israel

    The ancient

    Deuteronomy 22:5, cross-dressing is condemned as "abominable".[27][28]

    Assyria

    In

    omens.[32][33]

    Middle Assyrian

    prostitute or lie with another male, just as long as false rumors or forced sex were not involved with another male.[37]

    Ancient Rome

    In ancient Rome, the bodies of citizen youths were strictly off-limits, and the

    stuprum) against a freeborn male minor.[38] Acceptable same-sex partners were males excluded from legal protections as citizens: slaves, male prostitutes, and the infames
    , entertainers or others who might be technically free but whose lifestyles set them outside the law.

    A male citizen who willingly performed

    populares) such as Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.[40]

    Roman law addressed the rape of a male citizen as early as the 2nd century BC when it was ruled that even a man who was "disreputable and questionable" had the same right as other citizens not to have his body subjected to forced sex.[41] A law probably dating to the dictatorship of Julius Caesar defined rape as forced sex against "boy, woman, or anyone"; the rapist was subject to execution, a rare penalty in Roman law.[42] A male classified as infamis, such as a prostitute or actor, could not as a matter of law be raped, nor could a slave, who was legally classified as property; the slave's owner, however, could prosecute the rapist for property damage.[43]

    In the Roman army of the Republic, sex among fellow soldiers violated the decorum against intercourse with citizens and was subject to harsh penalties, including death,[44] as a violation of military discipline.[45] The Greek historian Polybius (2nd century BC) lists deserters, thieves, perjurers, and "those who in youth have abused their persons" as subject to the fustuarium, clubbing to death.[46] Ancient sources are most concerned with the effects of sexual harassment by officers, but the young soldier who brought an accusation against his superior needed to show that he had not willingly taken the passive role or prostituted himself.[47] Soldiers were free to have relations with their male slaves;[48] the use of a fellow citizen-soldier's body was prohibited, not homosexual behaviors per se.[49] By the late Republic and throughout the Imperial period, there is increasing evidence that men whose lifestyle marked them as "homosexual" in the modern sense served openly.[50]

    Although Roman law did not recognize marriage between men, and in general Romans regarded marriage as a heterosexual union with the primary purpose of producing children, in the early Imperial period some male couples were celebrating traditional marriage rites. Juvenal remarks with disapproval that his friends often attended such ceremonies.[51] The emperor Nero had two marriages to men, once as the bride (with a freedman Pythagoras) and once as the groom. His consort Sporus appeared in public as Nero's wife wearing the regalia that was customary for the Roman empress.[52]

    Apart from measures to protect the prerogatives of citizens, the prosecution of homosexuality as a general crime began in the 3rd century of the Christian era when male prostitution was banned by

    Justinian, all same-sex acts, passive or active, no matter who the partners are, were declared contrary to nature and punishable by death.[55]

    British Empire

    See also: LGBT rights in the Commonwealth of Nations

    The United Kingdom introduced anti-homosexuality laws throughout its colonies, particularly in the 19th century when the British Empire was at its peak.[56] As of 2018, more than half of the 71 countries that criminalised homosexuality were former British colonies or protectorates.[57]

    Netherlands

    In 2001, the Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage.[58]

    Global LGBT rights maps

    Note that for simplicity the table below does not distinguish between 'legal' and 'lawful'. An action can only be legal or illegal where a specific law has been passed.

    Rings indicate local or case-by-case application.
    1No imprisonment in the past three years or moratorium
    on law.
    2Marriage not available locally. Some jurisdictions may perform other types of partnerships.

    Timeline

    Decriminalization of homosexuality timeline
    Countries/Territories/States
    Never been illegal
    List
    Wallis and Futuna, France
    18th century
    List
    19th century
    List
    20th century
    List
    21st century
    List
    Notes
    • Note that while this template lists several historical countries, such as the Kingdom of France, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, etc., for the sake of clarity, the flags shown are contemporary flags.

    LGBT-related laws by country or territory

    [d]

    Africa

    Main article: LGBT rights in Africa
    List of countries or territories by LGBT rights in Africa
    This table:

    Northern Africa

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression No Anti-LGBT laws
    Algeria Algeria No Illegal since 1966
    Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment with fines up to 10,000 dinars.[61] Torture,[62] beatings,[63] or vigilante executions are also common.     		No No No No No No No
    Canary Islands Canary Islands
    (Autonomous community of Spain)     		Yes Legal since 1979
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes De facto unions legal since 2003[65] Yes Legal since 2005[66] Yes Legal since 2005[67][68] Yes Spain responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[69] Yes Since 2007, all documents can be amended to the recognised gender[70] Yes
    Ceuta Ceuta
    (Autonomous city of Spain)     		Yes Legal since 1979
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes De facto union since 1998[71] Yes Legal since 2005[66] Yes Legal since 2005[67] Yes Spain responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Since 2007, all documents can be amended to the recognised gender[70] Yes
    Egypt Egypt Yes/ No Ambiguous. Male de jure legal, but de facto illegal since 2000
    Penalty: Up to 17 years imprisonment with or without hard labour and with or without fines under broadly-written morality laws.[64][72]     		No No No No No No No
    Libya Libya No Illegal since 1953
    Penalty: Up to 5 years in jail or vigilante execution.[73][74]     		No No No No No No No
    Madeira Madeira
    (Autonomous region of Portugal)     		Yes Legal since 1983
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes De facto union since 2001[75][76] Yes Legal since 2010[77] Yes Legal since 2016[78][79][80] Yes Portugal responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination.[69] Yes Since 2011, all documents can be amended to the recognised gender[81] Yes
    Melilla Melilla
    (Autonomous city of Spain)     		Yes Legal since 1979
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes De facto union since 2008[82] Yes Legal since 2005[66] Yes Legal since 2005[67] Yes Spain responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[83] Yes Since 2007, all documents can be amended to the recognised gender[70] Yes
    Morocco Morocco
    (including Southern Provinces)     		No Illegal since 1962
    Penalty: Up to 3 to 6 years imprisonment with hard labour.[64][84]     		No No No No No No No
    Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
    (Disputed territory; excluding Southern Provinces)     		No Illegal
    Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment.[64][85][86]     		No No No No No No No
    Sudan Sudan No Illegal since 1899 (as Anglo-Egyptian Sudan)
    Penalty: Life imprisonment for a third offense of anal sex.[87]     		No No No No No No No
    Tunisia Tunisia No Illegal since 1913 (as the French protectorate of Tunisia)
    Penalty: 3 years imprisonment.[64][88]
    [89]     		No No No No No No No

    Western Africa

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Benin Benin Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country);[64][90]
    Age of consent discrepancy[64]     		No No No No
    Burkina Faso Burkina Faso Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)[64] No No Constitutional ban since 1991 No No No
    Cape Verde Cape Verde Yes Legal since 2004
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[64]
    The Gambia Gambia No Illegal since 1888 (as the Gambia Colony and Protectorate)
    Penalty: Up to Iife imprisonment.[64][91][92]     		No No No No No No Forms of gender expression criminalized since 2013[93] No
    Ghana Ghana No Male illegal since 1892 (as the Gold Coast)
    Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment. (repeal disputed)[94] [95]
    Female illegal since 2024 [96]     		No No No No No No No
    Guinea Guinea No Illegal since 1988
    Penalty: 6 months to 10 years imprisonment.[97]     		No No No No No No No
    Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau Yes Legal since 1993[64]
    + UN decl. sign.     		No No No No
    Ivory Coast
    		 Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country);
    Age of consent discrepancy[64]     		No No No No No
    Liberia Liberia No Illegal since 1976
    Penalty: 1 year imprisonment. [64][98] (repeal disputed)     		No No No No No No No
    Mali Mali Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)[64] No No Constitutional ban since 2023[99] No No No[100] No
    Mauritania Mauritania No No Illegal since 1983
    Penalty: Capital punishment for men, (not enforced); prison and a fine for women.[64][101]     		No No No No No No No
    Niger Niger Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country);
    Age of consent discrepancy[64]     		No No No No No[102]
    Nigeria Nigeria No Illegal since 1904 (Northern Region only)
    Illegal since 1916 (Region-wide)
    Penalty: Up to 14 years imprisonment.
    No Death in the states of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara. (not enforced)[64][103][92]     		No No Constitutional ban since 2013 No No No No Forms of gender expression criminalized in Sharia provinces. No
    Saint Helena Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 2001
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Legal since 2017 Yes Legal since 2017[104][105] Yes Legal since 2017 Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes
    Senegal Senegal No Illegal since 1966
    Penalty: 1 to 5 years imprisonment.[64][106]     		No No No No No No No
    Sierra Leone Sierra Leone No Male illegal since 1861 (as the Sierra Leone Colony and Protectorate)
    Penalty: Up to life imprisonment (Not enforced, repeal disputed).
    Yes Female always legal
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No No No No No
    Togo Togo No Illegal since 1980
    Penalty: Fine and 3 years imprisonment [64] (repeal proposed)[107]     		No No No No No No No

    Central Africa

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Cameroon Cameroon No Illegal since 1972
    Penalty: Fines to 5 years imprisonment.[64][92] or vigilante execution and torture,[108] (repeal disputed)     		No No No No No No No
    Central African Republic Central African Republic Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)[64]
    + UN decl. sign.     		No No Constitutional ban since 2016[109] No No No[110] No
    Chad Chad No Illegal since 2017
    Penalty: Between 3 months and 2 years in prison, with fines of 50,000 to 500,000 FCFA. (Penal Code, Chapter 2, Article 354) [111]     		No No No No No No[112] No
    Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)[64] No No Constitutional ban since 2005 No No No No
    Republic of the Congo Republic of the Congo Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country);
    Age of consent discrepancy[64]     		No No No No No[113] No
    Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)[64] No No No No No[114]
    Gabon Gabon Yes Legal since 2020[115];
    Age of consent discrepancy,
    + UN decl. sign.     		No No No No
    São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe Yes Legal since 2012
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No No

    Eastern Africa

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Burundi Burundi No Illegal since 2009
    Penalty: fine, and 3 months to 2 years imprisonment. [64][116] (repeal disputed)     		No No Constitutional ban since 2005 No No No No No
    Djibouti Djibouti Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country) [64][117] No No No No No[118]
    Eritrea Eritrea No Illegal
    Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment.[64][119] or vigilate execution[120] Beatings and torture are also tolerated.[121]     		No No No No No No No
    Ethiopia Ethiopia No Illegal
    Penalty: Up to 15 years. [64] (repeal disputed) [122]     		No No No No No No No
    Kenya Kenya No Illegal since 1897 (as the East Africa Protectorate)
    Penalty: up to 14 years imprisonment. (repeal proposed) [64][92][123]     		No No Constitutional ban since 2010[124] No No Yes/No Limited protection following legal process by the authorities.[125] Yes[126] No
    Rwanda Rwanda Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)[64]
    + UN decl. sign.     		No No Constitutional ban since 2003 No No No No
    Somalia Somalia No Illegal
    Penalty: Up to 3 years prison.
    Jubaland Jubaland No Illegal. Penalty: Up to death in Jubaland.[citation needed]     		No No No No No No No
    Somaliland Somaliland
    (Disputed territory)     		No Illegal
    Penalty: Up to 3 years prison, sometimes death sentences.[127]     		No No No No No No No
    South Sudan South Sudan No Illegal since 1899 (as Anglo-Egyptian Sudan)
    Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment. (not enforced) [64][92]     		No No Constitutional ban since 2011[citation needed] No No No No Forms of gender expression are criminalized. No
    Tanzania Tanzania No Illegal since 1864 (only Zanzibar)
    Illegal since 1899
    Penalty: Up to life imprisonment.[64][92] Vigilante executions, beatings and torture[128][129] are also tolerated.     		No No No No No No No
    Uganda Uganda No No Male illegal since 1902 (as Protectorate)
    Female illegal since 2000
    Penalty: Life imprisonment, Death penalty in some cases, Beatings, torture, or vigilante execution. [130][131]     		No No Constitutional ban since 2005 No No No No No

    Indian Ocean states

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Comoros
    		 No Illegal since 1982
    Penalty: 5 years imprisonment and fines. (not enforced)[64][132][133]     		No No No No No No[134] No
    French Southern and Antarctic Lands French Southern and Antarctic Lands
    (Overseas territory of France)     		Yes Legal
    (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the territory)[64]     		Yes Civil solidarity pact since 1999[citation needed] Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law Yes
    Madagascar Madagascar Yes Legal
    (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country);
    Age of consent discrepancy[64]     		No No No No
    Mauritius Mauritius Yes Legal since 2023[135]
    + UN decl. sign.     		No No No No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[136][137]
    Mayotte Mayotte
    (Overseas region of France)     		Yes Legal
    (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the region)[64]     		Yes Civil solidarity pact since 2007 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law Yes
    Réunion Réunion
    (Overseas region of France)     		Yes Legal since 1791[64] Yes Civil solidarity pact since 1999 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law Yes
    Seychelles Seychelles Yes Legal since 2016[138]
    + UN decl. sign.     		No No No Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[64]

    Southern Africa

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Angola Angola Yes Legal since 2021 [139] No No No No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[140] May possibly change gender under the Código do Registro Civil 2015[141] Yes
    Botswana Botswana No Legal since 2019 [142] No No No No(Only LGB) Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Legal gender change recognized as a constitutional right since 2017[143] Yes
    Eswatini Eswatini No Male illegal since the 1880s (not enforced, repeal proposed)
    Penalty: Unknown
    Yes Female always legal[64][92]     		No No No No No No No
    Lesotho Lesotho Yes Male legal since 2012
    Female always legal[64]     		No No No No May possibly change gender under the National Identity Cards Act 9 of 2011[144]
    Malawi Malawi No Illegal since 1891 (as British Central Africa Protectorate)[92]
    Penalty: Up to 14 years imprisonment, with or without corporal punishment for men
    up to 5 years imprisonment for women (repeal proposed)[64][145][92][146][147]     		No No No No No No No
    Mozambique Mozambique Yes Legal since 2015[148][149] No No No No Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[64][136] Yes
    Namibia Namibia No Male illegal since 1920 (not enforced; repeal proposed)[92][150]
    Penalty: Unknown
    Yes Female always legal[64][151][152]     		No/Yes Foreign same-sex marriages recognised. No/Yes Foreign same-sex marriages recognised. No No Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination.[153] Yes Under the Births, Marriages and Deaths Registration Act 81 of 1963[154] No
    South Africa South Africa Yes Male legal since 1998
    Female always legal; equal age of consent since 2007
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Limited recognition of unregistered partnerships since 1998; same-sex marriage since 2006 Yes Legal since 2006
    Legal since 2002
    		 Yes Since 1998 Yes Constitution bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Anti-discrimination laws are interpreted to include gender identity; legal gender may be changed after surgical or medical treatment Yes[155][156]
    Zambia Zambia No Illegal since 1911 (as part of the British South Africa Company rule of Rhodesia)
    Penalty: up to 14 years imprisonment. (repeal proposed)[64][92]     		No No No No No No No
    Zimbabwe Zimbabwe No Male illegal since 1891 (as part of the British South Africa Company rule of Rhodesia)
    Penalty: up to 14 years imprisonment. (repeal proposed)
    Yes Female always legal[64][92]     		No No Constitutional ban since 2013[157] No No No No No

    Americas

    Main article: LGBT rights in the Americas
    List of countries or territories by LGBT rights in the Americas


    Tables:

    North America

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Bermuda Bermuda
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 1994; equal age of consent since 2019
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Domestic partnerships since 2018[158] No Was legal between November 2018 and March 2022 and between May 2017 and June 2018 Yes Legal since 2015[159] Yes UK responsible for defence No Bans all anti-gay discrimination[160] No
    Canada Canada Yes Legal since 1969; equal age of consent since 1987
    + UN decl. sign.[64][161]     		Yes Domestic partnerships in Nova Scotia (2001);[162]
    Civil unions in Quebec (2002);[163]
    Adult interdependent relationships in Alberta (2003);[164]
    Common-law relationships in Manitoba (2004)[165]     		Yes Legal in some provinces and territories since 2003, nationwide since 2005[166] Yes Legal in some provinces and territories since 1996, nationwide since 2011[167] Yes Since 1992[168]; Includes transgender people[169] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination. Ban on conversion therapy since 2022 nationwide
    completion of medical intervention and human rights protections explicitly include gender identity or expression within all of Canada since 2017[170][171][172][173]
    		 Yes[174][175]
    Kingdom of Denmark
    )     		Yes Legal since 1933; equal age of consent since 1977
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships between 1996 and 2016 (Existing partnerships are still recognised.)[176] Yes Legal since 2016 Yes Stepchild adoption since 2009;[177]
    joint adoption since 2016[178]     		Yes The Kingdom of Denmark responsible for defence Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[64] Yes Legal gender change and recognition possible without surgery or hormone therapy[179][180] Yes
    Mexico Mexico Yes Legal since 1871
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes/No Civil unions in Mexico City (2007), Coahuila (2007),[181] Colima (between 2013 and 2016),[182] Campeche (2013),[183] Jalisco (between 2014 and 2018),[184] Michoacán (2015), Tlaxcala (2017), and Veracruz (2020) Yes Starting in 2010; nationwide since 2022 Yes/No Legal in Mexico City (2010),[185] Coahuila (2014), Chihuahua (2015), Jalisco (2016), Michoacán (2016), Colima (2016), Morelos (2016), Campeche (2016), Veracruz (2016), Baja California (2017), Querétaro (2017), Chiapas (2017), Puebla (2017), Aguascalientes (2018), San Luis Potosi (2019), Hidalgo (2019), Yucatán (2021), Nayarit (2022), Quintana Roo (2022), Baja California Sur (2022), Durango, Tamaulipas, and Nuevo León (the latter three never had adoption bans)[186][187] (ambiguous) Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[188] Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal in Mexico City (2020), México (2020), Baja California Sur (2020), Colima (2021), Tlaxcala (2021), Oaxaca (2021), Yucatán (2021), Zacatecas (2021), Baja California (2022), Hidalgo (2022), Jalisco (2022), Puebla (2022), Sonora (2022), Nuevo León (2022), Querétaro (2023), Sinaloa (2023), Quintana Roo (2023), and Morelos (2023) Yes/No Transgender persons can change their legal gender and name in Mexico City (2008),[189] Michoacán (2017), Nayarit (2017), Coahuila (2018), Hidalgo (2019), San Luis Potosí (2019), Colima (2019), Baja California (2019), Oaxaca (2019), Tlaxcala (2019), Chihuahua (2019), Sonora (2020), Jalisco (2020), Quintana Roo (2020), Puebla (2021), Baja California Sur (2021), México (2021), Morelos (2021), Sinaloa (2022), Zacatecas (2022), Durango (2023), and Yucatán (2024) [190] Yes
    Saint Pierre and Miquelon
    (Overseas collectivity of France)     		Yes Legal since 1791
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil solidarity pact since 1999[191] Yes Legal since 2013[192] Yes Legal since 2013[193] Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[83] Yes Under French law[194] Yes
    United States United States Yes Legal in some states since 1962, nationwide since 2003
    + UN decl. sign.[64]
    Hawaii (2012) and Colorado
    (2013).     		Yes Legal in some states since 2004, nationwide since 2015
    Legal in some states since 1993, nationwide since 2016
    hermaphrodites".[196]
    		 Yes/No Employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is prohibited nationwide since 2020.
    More extensive protections exist in 23 states, DC, and some municipalities.
    Conversion therapy for minors is banned in 22 states, DC, and some municipalities.
    Sexual orientation is covered by the federal hate crime law since 2009.
    US passports.[197] Gender change is legal on birth certificates (under varying conditions by state), in 48 states + DC.
    Nonbinary gender markers are available, under varying circumstances, in 25 states + DC.
    Employment discrimination on the basis of gender identity is prohibited nationwide since 2020.
    More extensive protections exist in 22 states, DC, and some municipalities.
    Gender identity is covered by the federal hate crime law since 2009
    .     		Yes Federally
    Yes/No Status varies state to state

    Central America

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Belize Belize Yes Legal since 2016[198] No No No No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[199][200][201] No[202] No
    Costa Rica Costa Rica Yes Legal since 1971
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Unregistered cohabitation since 2014[203][204] Yes Legal since May 2020 Yes Legal since May 2020[205]
    Has no military
    		 Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[64] Yes/No Transgender persons can change their legal name without surgeries or judicial permission since 2018. Legal gender cannot be changed. Sex indicator removed from all ID cards issued since May 2018[206][207][208] One-time sex change allowed for passports. [209] Yes[210][211]
    El Salvador El Salvador Yes Legal since 1822
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes[212][213] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[212] No[214] Bans discrimination based on gender identity. Yes
    Guatemala Guatemala Yes Legal since 1871
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No Pending No No Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination No[215]
    Honduras Honduras Yes Legal since 1899
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No Constitutional ban on de facto unions since 2005 No Constitutional ban since 2005;[216][217] court decision pending No Constitutional ban since 2005 No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[218] No No
    Nicaragua Nicaragua Yes Legal since 2008
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[64] No No
    Panama Panama Yes Legal since 2008
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No Court decision pending No Court decision pending No Court decision pending
    Has no military
    		 Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[219][220]
    completion of medical intervention since 2006[221][222]
    		 Yes/No

    Caribbean

    Main article: LGBT rights in the Caribbean
    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Anguilla Anguilla
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 2001
    Age of consent discrepancy
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes UK responsible for defence No
    Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda Yes Legal since 2022 No No No No No No
    Aruba Aruba
    (Constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)     		Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships since 2021[223] No/Yes Same-sex marriages performed in the Netherlands recognized[224] No Yes The Netherlands responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[225] No
    The Bahamas Bahamas Yes Legal since 1991;
    Age of consent discrepancy
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes[64] No No No
    Barbados Barbados Yes Legal since 2022. No/Yes Foreign Domestic Partnerships recognized for immigration purposes "Welcome Stamp"[226]

    Civil Unions proposed.[227]

    		No No No Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[228] No
    Bonaire Bonaire
    (a special municipality of the Netherlands)     		Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the municipalities)
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships since 2012[229] Yes Legal since 2012[230] Yes[231] Yes The Netherlands responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[232] Yes Yes
    British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 2001
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[233] No No
    Cayman Islands Cayman Islands
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 2001;
    Age of consent discrepancy[64]
    + UN decl. sign.     		Yes Civil partnerships since 2020[234] No Yes Legal since 2020 Yes UK responsible for defence No No
    Cuba Cuba Yes Legal since 1979
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Legal since 2022 Legal since 2022 Legal since 2022 Yes[64][235] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination [236][237][238] Yes Transgender people allowed to change gender after sex change operations[239] Yes[240][241]
    Curaçao Curaçao
    (Constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)     		Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes No (Pending court ruling)/Yes Mariages performed in Netherlands recognized No Yes The Netherlands responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[242] No
    Dominica Dominica No Illegal
    Penalty: 10-year prison sentence or incarceration in a psychiatric institution (Not enforced). Legalization proposed[243]
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No No No No No
    Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Yes Legal since 1822
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No Constitutional ban since 2010[citation needed] No No[244] No No No
    Grenada Grenada No Male illegal
    Penalty: 10-year prison sentence (not enforced). [245] Legalization proposed[246]
    Yes Female always legal[64]     		No No No
    Has no military
    		 No No No
    Guadeloupe Guadeloupe
    (Overseas department of France)     		Yes Legal since 1791
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil solidarity pact since 1999[191] Yes Legal since 2013[192] Yes Legal since 2013[193] Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[83] Yes Under French law[194] Yes
    Haiti Haiti Yes Legal since 1791 (as Saint-Domingue)[64] No No No
    Has no military
    		 No No No
    Jamaica Jamaica No Male illegal
    Penalty: 10 years and/or hard labor (Not enforced). Legalization proposed[247]
    Yes Female always legal.[64]     		No No Constitutional ban since 1962 No No No No No
    Martinique Martinique
    (Overseas department of France)     		Yes Legal since 1791
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil solidarity pact since 1999[191] Yes Legal since 2013[192] Yes Legal since 2013[193] Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[83] Yes Under French law[194] Yes
    Montserrat Montserrat
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 2001
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[248] Yes
    Commonwealth of the United States
    )     		Yes Legal since 2003 Yes Legal since 2015 Yes Legal since 2015[249] Yes Legal since 2015 Yes United States responsible for defense[250][251] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination Yes Gender change legal since 2018; does not require surgery Yes
    Saba (island) Saba
    (a special municipality of the Netherlands)     		Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the municipalities)
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships since 2012[229] Yes Legal since 2012[230] Yes[231] Yes The Netherlands responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[232] Yes[252] Yes
    Saint Barthélemy
    (Overseas collectivity of France)     		Yes Legal since 1791
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil solidarity pact since 1999[191] Yes Legal since 2013[192] Yes Legal since 2013[193] Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[83] Yes Under French law[194] Yes
    Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Kitts and Nevis Yes Legal since 2022 No No No No No
    Saint Lucia Saint Lucia No Male illegal
    Penalty: Fine and/or 10-year prison sentence (Not enforced). Legalization proposed[253]
    Yes Female always legal[64]     		No No No
    Has no military
    		 Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination No
    Saint Martin
    (Overseas collectivity of France)     		Yes Legal since 1791
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil solidarity pact since 1999[191] Yes Legal since 2013[192] Yes Legal since 2013[193] Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[83] Yes Under French law[194] Yes
    Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Saint Vincent and the Grenadines No Illegal
    Penalty: Fine and/or 10-year prison sentence (Not enforced).[64] Legalization proposed[254]     		No No No
    Has no military
    		 No
    Sint Eustatius Sint Eustatius
    (a special municipality of the Netherlands)     		Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the municipalities)
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships since 2012[229] Yes Legal since 2012[230] Yes[231] Yes The Netherlands responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[232] Yes Yes
    Sint Maarten Sint Maarten
    (Constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)     		Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No/Yes Same-sex marriages performed in the Netherlands recognized[224] No Yes The Netherlands responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[255] Yes
    Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Yes Legal since 2018[256] No No No No No No
    Turks and Caicos Islands Turks and Caicos Islands
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 2001
    Age of consent discrepancy
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[64] No
    United States Virgin Islands United States Virgin Islands
    (Territory of the United States)     		Yes Legal since 1985 Yes Legal since 2015[257] Yes Legal since 2015[257] Yes Legal since 2015[257] Yes United States responsible for defense[250][251] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[258] Yes Legislation enacted in 2022, also explicitly includes gender identity.[259] Yes

    South America

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Argentina Argentina Yes Legal since 1887
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil unions in Buenos Aires (2003),[260] Río Negro Province (2003),[261] Villa Carlos Paz (2007) and Río Cuarto (2009)
    Cohabitation unions nationwide since 2015[262]     		Yes Legal since 2010[263] Yes Legal since 2010 Yes Since 2009[264] Yes/No Legal protection in some cities;[265]
    pending nationwide.
    Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2010     		Yes Transgender persons can change their legal gender and name without surgeries or judicial order since 2012[266]

    Transgender persons have a law reserving 1% of Argentina's public sector jobs. Economic incentives included in the new law aim to help trans people find work in all sectors. [267]

    		Yes[268][269]
    Bolivia Bolivia Yes Legal since 1832
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		YesFree unions officially recognised starting in 2020; nationwide since 2023.[270] No Constitutional ban since 2009[271] Yes Same-sex couples in a free union are permitted to adopt[272] Yes Since 2015[273][274][275]; Includes transgender people[169] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[64] Yes Transgender persons can change their legal gender and name without surgeries or judicial order since 2016[276][277][278] Yes
    Brazil Brazil Yes Legal since 1830
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes "Stable unions" legal and all rights as recognized family entities available nationwide since 2011[279][280] Yes Starting in 2011; nationwide since 2013[281][282] Yes Legal since 2010[283] YesSince 1969[284] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination.[285]
    Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 1999[286][287]     		Yes Transgender people can change their legal gender and name before a notary without the need of surgeries or judicial order since 2018. The sex reassignment surgery, hormonal and psychological treatment are offered free of charge by the Brazilian Unified Health System (UHS) [288][289][290] Yes
    Chile Chile Yes Legal since 1999; equal age of consent since 2022
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil unions since 2015[291] Yes Legal since 2022[292] Yes Legal since 2022[292] Yes Since 2012[293]; Includes transgender people[294] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[295]
    Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2021     		Yes Transsexual persons can change their registral sex and name since 1974.
    Transgender persons can change their registral sex and name, no surgeries or judicial order for adults above 18 years old since 2019.[296]     		Yes
    Colombia Colombia Yes Legal since 1981
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes De facto marital union since 2007[297] Yes Legal since 2016[298] Yes Stepchild adoption since 2014;[299] joint adoption since 2015[300] Yes Since 1999[64] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[301] Yes Since 2015, transgender persons can change their legal gender and name manifesting their solemn will before a notary, no surgeries or judicial order required[302] Yes
    Ecuador Ecuador Yes Legal since 1997
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes De facto unions since 2009[303][304] Yes Legal since 2019[305] No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[306] [307] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination.[308]
    Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2014     		Yes Since 2016, transgender persons are allowed to change their birth name and gender identity; no surgeries or judicial order required[309][310] Yes
    Falkland Islands Falkland Islands
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 1989; equal age of consent since 2006
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil partnerships since 2017[311] Yes Legal since 2017[311] Yes Legal since 2017 Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[312] No Yes
    French Guiana French Guiana
    (Overseas department of France)     		Yes Legal since 1791
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil solidarity pact since 1999[191] Yes Legal since 2013[192] Yes Legal since 2013[193] Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[83] Yes Under French law[194] Yes
    Guyana Guyana No Illegal
    Penalty: Up to life imprisonment (Not enforced).[64] Legalization proposed[313]     		No No [314] Yes[315] No No No
    Paraguay Paraguay Yes Legal since 1880; Age of consent discrepancy
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No Constitutional ban on de facto unions since 1992[316] No Constitutional ban since 1992[317] No Yes[318] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination.
    Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2022     		No No
    Peru Peru Yes Legal since 1924; equal age of consent since 2012
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No/Yes Limited recognition for same-sex partners of health-care workers since 2020. No No Yes Since 2009[319] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[320][321][322][323][324]
    completion of medical intervention since 2016. Judicial order required.[325][326]
    		 No
    South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 2001
    + UN decl. sign.     		Yes Legal since 2014[327] Yes Legal since 2014[327] Yes UK responsible for defence No Yes
    Suriname Suriname Yes Legal since 1869 (as Dutch Guiana);
    Age of consent discrepancy     		No No No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[328] Yes Transgender persons can change their legal gender since 2022. Court order required.[329][330][331] Yes
    Uruguay Uruguay Yes Legal since 1934
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Concubinage union since 2008[332] Yes Legal since 2013[333] Yes Legal since 2009[334] Yes Since 2009[335] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination.[336] Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2017 Yes Transgender persons can change their legal gender and name without surgeries or judicial order required since 2009.[337] Self-determination since 2018. Yes
    Venezuela Venezuela Yes Legal since 1997
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No Constitutional ban on de facto stable unions since 1999 No Constitutional ban since 1999 No Yes Since 2023[338] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[64] No

    Asia

    Main article: LGBT rights in Asia
    List of countries or territories by LGBT rights in Asia
    This table:

    North Asia

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Russia Russia
    sent to concentration camps
    based on their perceived sexual orientation.     		No No Constitutional ban since 2020[340] No Yes[341] No No Gender change has not been legal since 2023[342] No

    Central Asia

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Yes Legal since 1998[64] No No No Yes Since 2022[343] No Yes[344]
    Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Yes Legal since 1998[64] No No Constitutional ban since 2016[345] No No Yes Requires sex reassignment surgery[346][344] No
    Tajikistan Tajikistan Yes Legal since 1998[64] No No No No Yes Requires sex reassignment surgery[347][344] No
    Turkmenistan Turkmenistan No Illegal for Males since 1927
    Penalty: up to 2 years imprisonment.     		No No No No No No No
    Uzbekistan Uzbekistan No Illegal for Males since 1926
    Penalty: up to 3 years imprisonment.     		No No No No No No No

    West Asia

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Abkhazia Abkhazia
    (Disputed territory)     		Yes Legal No No No No
    Akrotiri and Dhekelia Akrotiri and Dhekelia
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 2000
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil partnerships since 2005 Yes Legal since 2014 Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[348]
    Armenia Armenia Yes Legal since 2003
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No Constitutional ban since 2015[349][350] No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples. No [351] No No No
    Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Yes Legal since 2000[64] No No No No No No No
    Bahrain Bahrain Yes Legal since 1976[64] No No No No No
    sex reassignment surgery.[352]
    Cyprus Cyprus Yes Legal since 1998
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil cohabitation since 2015[353] No No Yes[354] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Forbids some discrimination based on gender identity.[356]
    No Gender change is not legal.     		Yes/No
    Egypt Egypt Yes/ No Ambiguous. Male de jure legal, but de facto illegal since 2000
    Penalty: Up to 17 years imprisonment with or without hard labour and with or without fines under broadly-written morality laws.[64][357]     		No No No No No No No
    Georgia (country) Georgia Yes Legal since 2000
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No Constitutional ban passed but yet to take effect No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[358] Yes Requires sterilization and sex reassignment surgery for change[359] No
    Iran Iran No No Illegal
    Penalty: 74 lashes for immature men and death penalty for mature men (Although there are documented cases of minors executed because of their sexual orientation)[360]. For women, 100 lashes for women of mature sound mind and if consenting. Death penalty offense after fourth conviction.[64]     		No No No No No
    medical intervention[361]
    		 No
    Iraq Iraq Yes/ No Ambiguous. De jure legal since 1969, but de facto repressed[362] No No No No No No No
    Israel Israel Yes Legal since 1963 (de facto), 1988 (de jure)[363]
    + UN decl. sign.[64][364]     		Yes Unregistered cohabitation since 1994.
    Foreign same-sex marriages are recognized and recorded in the population registry
    		 No Permitted by law since 2008,[365] but in practice not possible in nearly every case[366] Yes Since 1993; Includes transgender people[367] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[368][369][370] Yes Almost full recognition of gender's ID without a surgery or medical intervention (Excluding changing gender and name in birth certificate) ;[371] equal employment opportunity law bars discrimination based on gender identity[372][373][374] Yes[375][376]
    Jordan Jordan Yes Legal[64] No No No No Yes Allowed since 2014[377]
    Kuwait Kuwait No Male illegal
    Penalty: Fines or up to 6-year prison sentence.
    Yes Female always legal[64][378]     		No No No No No No No
    Lebanon Lebanon Yes / No Ambiguous. Illegal under Article 534 of the Penal Code. Some judges have ruled not to prosecute individuals based on the law, however, this has not been settled by the Supreme Court and thus homosexuality is still illegal.[379] However, a 2017 court ruling claims that it is legal, but the law against it is still in place.
    Penalty: Up to 1 year imprisonment (rarely enforced).     		No No No No No Yes Legal gender change allowed, but sex reassignment surgery required[380] No
    Northern Cyprus Northern Cyprus
    (Disputed territory)     		Yes Legal since 2014[381][382][64] No No No No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[381][382] Yes Legal, requires surgery for change[383]
    Oman Oman No Illegal
    Penalty: Fines and prison sentence up to 3 years (Only enforced when dealing with "public scandal").[64]     		No No No No No No Laws against forms of gender expression. No
    State of Palestine Palestine
    		 West Bank:
    Yes Legal[64]
    Gaza:
    No consensus No consensus on legal applicability of British 1936 Sexual offences provisions to homosexual conduct[384][385][386][387]     		West Bank:
    No
    Gaza:
    No
    		 No No No No
    Qatar Qatar No No Illegal
    Penalty: Fines, up to 7 years imprisonment[64] Death penalty for Muslims.     		No No No No No No No
    Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia No No Illegal
    Penalty: Prison sentences of several months to life, fines, castration, torture or death can be sentenced on first conviction. A second conviction merits execution. Homosexuality itself, not just performed acts, can be considered illegal in Saudi Arabia.[64]     		No No No No No No Laws against forms of gender expression. No
    South Ossetia South Ossetia
    (Disputed territory)     		Yes Legal No No No No
    Syria Syria No Illegal
    Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment (Law de facto suspended)[388][64]     		No No No No No No No
    Turkey Turkey Yes Legal since 1858[64] No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples. No No Yes Requires sterilisation and sex reassignment surgery for change[389] No
    United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
    floggings,[390] fines, deportation, chemical castration,[391][392] forced psychological treatments,[393] honor killings,[391] vigilante executions,[394][395] beatings,[396][397] forced anal examinations,[398] forced hormone injections,[399] and torture.[396][400]
    		 No No No No No No In September 2016, the Government passed Federal Decree No 4, a series of changes to reduce doctors' criminal liability. The new law allows doctors to perform medical intervention on intersex people so as to "correct" their sex, effectively removing either the male or female genitalia. Sex reassignment surgery remains illegal. [401][402][403] Laws used to criminalize gender expression. No
    Yemen Yemen No No Illegal (codified in 1994)
    Penalty: Unmarried men punished with 100 lashes of the whip or a maximum of one year of imprisonment, stoning for adultery is not enforced. Women punished up to three years of imprisonment; where the offense has been committed under duress, the punishment is up to seven years detention.[64]     		No No No No No No No

    South Asia

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Afghanistan Afghanistan No No Illegal
    Penalty: Death penalty[404]     		No No No No No No No
    Bangladesh Bangladesh No Illegal since 1862
    Penalty: 10 years to life imprisonment (Occasionally enforced).[64][405]     		No No No No No Yes A third gender option (hijra) besides male and female is available[406] No
    Bhutan Bhutan Yes Legal since 2021[407] No No No No No No
    British Indian Ocean Territory British Indian Ocean Territory
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 2001
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil partnerships since 2005 Yes Legal since 2014 Yes UK responsible for defense
    India India Yes Legal since 2018[408] No/Yes symboic live-In relationships exist [409] No No No Yes/ No Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity prohibited by court decision. No nationwide law.[410][411][412] Yes A third gender option (hijra) besides male and female is available; transgender people have a constitutional right to change gender, only after medical/surgical intervention[413][412] Yes
    Maldives Maldives No Illegal (codified in 2014)
    Penalty: Up to 8 years imprisonment, house arrest, lashings and fines. (unenforced)[414] LGBTQ welcomed in tourist islands [415]     		No No No No No No No
    Nepal Nepal Yes Legal since 2007
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		[416][417] [416][417] No Yes Since 2007[citation needed] Yes/No indirect protections under the category "gender minorities" Yes/No Change to third gender "O" legal since 2007, unable to change to male or female[418] Yes
    Pakistan Pakistan No Illegal since 1862
    Penalty: 2 years to life sentence (Occasionally enforced).[64][419]     		No No No No Yes Transphobia illegal

    No Homophobia/biphobia is not illegal

    		Yes Right to change gender; transgender and intersex citizens have legal protections from all discrimination and harassment[420] No
    Sri Lanka Sri Lanka No Illegal since 1885
    Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment with fines.[64] (Ruled unenforcable by the Supreme Court) Legalization proposed     		No No No No No
    sex reassignment surgery or medical intervention[421]
    		 No

    East Asia

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of relationships Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    China China Yes Legal since 1997[64] No/Yes "Legal guardianship" since 2017 No No Yes/No (Open displays prohibited)[citation needed] No
    sex reassignment surgery[422], which has caused discrimination against well-educated trans women[423]
    .     		No
    Hong Kong Hong Kong Yes Legal since 1991[64] No/Yes Same-sex marriages registered overseas for government benefits and taxation, and limited recognition of local cohabiting partners No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[424] The central government of China is responsible for the defense of Hong Kong.[425] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination (government discrimination only) Yes Surgery not required since 2023 in accordance to a court ruling[426]
    Japan Japan Yes Legal since 1882
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No * Symbolic recognition in some jurisdictions. No Proposed[427] No Yes The Japan Self-Defense Forces allow gay people to enlist.[428] Yes/No No nationwide protections, but some cities ban some anti-gay discrimination[64]
    sex reassignment surgery
    		 No
    Macau Macau Yes Legal since 1996 No No No The central government of China is responsible for the defence of Macau. Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination
    Mongolia Mongolia Yes Legal since 1993
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No Constitutional ban since 1992 No Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination
    sex reassignment surgery
    		 Yes/No
    North Korea North Korea Yes / No Ambiguous, punishable through Articles 193 and 262 regarding obscenity and decency laws.[dubious – discuss]
    Penalty: Unknown     		No No No No 10-year celibacy required for all soldiers.[429] Open displays of LGBT attitudes are prohibited. No No No
    South Korea South Korea Yes Legal
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No Proposed[430] No No Yes/No Protection from discrimination varies by jurisdiction in some areas, including Seoul
    sex reassignment surgery
    Taiwan Taiwan Yes Legal[431] [432] Legal since 2019[433][434][435] Yes Stepchild adoption since 2019
    Yes Joint adoption legal since 2023[436]     		Yes Yes Constitutionally bans all anti-gay discrimination from government[437]; several laws banning anti-gay discrimination regarding education and employment.[438][439] Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery.[e] Yes

    Southeast Asia

    LGBT rights in Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of relationships Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Aceh Aceh (autonomous territory of Indonesia) No Illegal
    Penalty: 100 strokes of the cane or 8 years in prison[441]     		No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples No The central government of Indonesia is responsible for the defense of Aceh. Yes Follows the law of the central Indonesian government. Yes Follows the law of the central Indonesian government. No
    Brunei Brunei No No Illegal since 1908
    Penalty: Death by stoning (in abeyance), 1 year imprisonment and 100 lashes for men. Caning and 10 years prison for women.[442]     		No No No No No No Laws prohibit forms of gender expression. No
    Cambodia Cambodia Yes Legal[64] No/Yes Partnerships recognized in certain cities No There has been at least one recorded case of a legally registered and recognized same-sex marriage; constitutional ban since 1993 No/Yes Officially banned, but numerous same-sex adoptions have taken place No No[443] No
    East Timor East Timor Yes Legal since 1975
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples Yes Bans some anti gay discrimination, Hate crime protections since 2009.[444]
    Indonesia Indonesia Yes Legal (except in Aceh)[64][445] No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples No Not explicitly prohibited by Law (de jure), Illegal (de facto) Yes Limited protection following legal process by the authorities.[446]
    sex reassignment surgery
    .     		No
    Laos Laos Yes Legal[64] No No No No
    Malaysia Malaysia No Illegal since 1871
    Penalty: fines, prison sentence (2–20 years), or whippings.[64][447]     		No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples No No No Generally impossible to change gender. However, a 2016 court ruling recognizes gender changes as fundamental constitutional rights[448] Forms of gender expression are criminalized. No
    Myanmar Myanmar No Illegal since 1886
    Penalty: Up to 20 years in prison (Occasionally enforced).[64][449]     		No No No No No No No
    Philippines Philippines Yes Legal
    + UN decl. sign.[450][64][451][452]     		No (Pending) [450] No (Pending) [453] No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[454][453] Yes Since 2009 Yes/No Bans some anti-gay discrimination in certain cities and provinces,[455] including the City of Manila,[456]Cebu City,[457] Quezon City,[458] and Davao City;[459]
    Nationwide anti-bullying law for basic education students.[460]     		No Generally impossible to change legal gender. However in Cagandahan vs Philippines, allowed an intersex man to change his legal gender from female to male.
    Singapore Singapore Yes Legal since 2022 No No Ambiguous, a gay Singaporean man with a male partner in 2018 won an appeal in court to adopt a child that he fathered through a surrogate.[461] Yes Yes Protections against anti-gay discrimination, harassment and violence[462]
    sex reassignment surgery
    		 No
    Thailand Thailand Yes Legal since 1956
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No Proposed[463] No Proposed[463] No[464] Yes Since 2005 [465] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination No[466]

    Yes Anti-discrimination protections for gender expression.[447]

    		Yes
    Vietnam Vietnam Yes Legal[64]
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, not same-sex couples[467] Yes Irrespective of one's sexual orientation Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination Yes Gender changes recognized and officially practised since 2017[468][469] Yes

    Europe

    Main article: LGBT rights in Europe
    List of countries or territories by LGBT rights in Europe
    Tables:

    European Union

    Main article: LGBT rights in the European Union
    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
    European Union European Union Yes Legal in all 27 member states[470] Yes/No Recognized in 24/27 member states
    		 Yes/No Legal in 16/27 member states
    		 Yes/No Stepchild adoption legal in 20/27 member states;
    joint adoption legal in 17/27 member states     		Yes Legal in all member states Yes Membership requires a state to ban discrimination based on person's sexual orientation in employment.
    4/27 states ban some anti-gay discrimination.
    23/27 states ban all anti-gay discrimination     		Yes/No Legal in 24/27 member states[471]

    Central Europe

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Austria Austria Yes Legal since 1971; equal age of consent since 2002[64]
    + UN decl. sign.     		Yes Registered partnerships since 2010[472] Yes Legal since 2019[473] Yes Stepchild adoption since 2013;
    joint adoption since 2016[474][475][476]     		Yes Includes transgender people[477] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Transgender people allowed to change gender without undergoing surgery[359] Yes[478][479]
    Czech Republic Czech Republic Yes Legal since 1962 (As part of Czechoslovakia); equal age of consent since 1990
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships since 2006[480] No No LGBT individuals in a registered partnership may adopt[481] (Stepchild adoption pending) Yes Includes transgender people[482] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Legal recognition after sex reassignment surgery (with mandatory sterilisation)[483] [484][485]
    Germany Germany Yes Legal in East Germany since 1968
    Legal in West Germany since 1969; equal age of consent since 1988 in East Germany and since 1994 in unified Germany
    + UN decl. sign.[64][486]     		Yes Registered life partnerships from 2001 to 2017 (existing partnerships and new foreign partnerships still recognised)[487][488] Yes Legal since 2017[489] Yes Stepchild adoption since 2005; successive adoption since 2013; joint adoption legal since 2017[489] Yes Includes transgender people[490] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[491] Yes Gender change is legal; surgery not required[492] Yes[493][494]
    Hungary Hungary Yes Legal since 1962; equal age of consent since 2002
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships since 2009[495] No Constitutional ban since 2012[496][497][498][499] No Constitutional ban since 2020[500][497] Yes[citation needed] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Forbids discrimination based on gender identity

    No Transgender people are not allowed to change gender since 2020.[501]

    		No[502][503]
    Liechtenstein Liechtenstein Yes Legal since 1989; equal age of consent since 2001
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships since 2011[504] Pending[505][506][507][508][509] Yes Stepchild adoption since 2022;
    joint adoption since 2023[510][511]
    Has no military
    		 Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] No Gender change is not legal[483] No[512][513]
    Poland Poland Yes Legal since 1932
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No/Yes Unregistered cohabitation since 2012;
    registered partnership proposed 2019     		No Constitutional ban since 1997[514] (Article 18 of the Constitution is generally interpreted as limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples[515][516][517][518][519][520])[f] No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[522] Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Transgender people allowed to change gender but require undergoing medical treatment such as HRT or surgery. No provisions for nonbinary people. No[523][524]
    Slovakia Slovakia Yes Legal since 1962 (As part of Czechoslovakia); equal age of consent since 1990
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No/Yes some limited rights for unregistered cohabiting same-sex couples since 2018;
    Limited residency rights for married same-sex couples since 2018 (Proposed)     		No Constitutional ban since 2014 No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[525] Yes[citation needed] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[526][527] Yes/No Allowed to change legal gender in theory. However because of lack of care and refusal by the state, de facto almost impossible since 2022. See LGBT rights in Slovakia § Gender identity and expression No[528][529]
    Slovenia Slovenia Yes Legal since 1977 (As part of Yugoslavia); equal age of consent since 1990
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered cohabitation since 2006[530];
    Registered partnerships since 2017[531]     		Yes Legal since 2022[532] Yes Stepchild adoption since 2011;
    joint adoption since 2022[533]     		Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Gender change is legal[534] Yes[535][536]
    Switzerland Switzerland Yes Legal nationwide since 1942
    Legal in the cantons of Geneva (as part of France), Ticino, Valais, and Vaud since 1798; equal age of consent since 1990
    + UN decl. sign.[64][537]     		Yes Registered partnerships in Geneva (2001),[538] Zürich (2003),[539] Neuchâtel (2004)[540] and Fribourg (2005)[540]
    Nationwide since 2007[541]     		Yes Legal since 2022[542] Yes Stepchild adoption since 2018;
    joint adoption since 2022[542][543]     		Yes Includes transgender people[544] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination [545] Yes Gender change is legal on simple declaration (self-determination +16 yo); surgery/sterilisation not required. [546] Yes[547][548]

    Eastern Europe

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Abkhazia Abkhazia
    (Disputed territory)     		Yes Legal after 1991 No No No No
    Armenia Armenia Yes Legal since 2003
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No Constitutional ban since 2015[549][550] No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples. No[551] No No No
    Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Yes Legal since 2000[64] No No No No No No No
    Belarus Belarus Yes Legal since 1994[64] No No Constitutional ban since 1994[552] No No/Yes Banned from military service during peacetime, but during wartime homosexuals are permitted to enlist as partially able[553] No Yes/No (Highly bureaucratic, lengthy two-stage process: deciding body meets only twice a year; permission for medical or surgical interventions only at the second stage. Flaw in passport conversion whereby passport number may reveal former designation of sex to agencies.)[554] No
    Georgia (country) Georgia Yes Legal since 2000
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No Constitutional ban since 2018 No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[555] Yes Requires sterilisation and surgery for change[483] No
    Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Yes Legal since 1998[64] No No No Yes[556] No Yes Requires sex reassignment surgery, sterilization, hormone therapy and medical examinations[citation needed]
    Moldova Moldova Yes Legal since 1995
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No Constitutional ban since 1994[557] No Yes[citation needed] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes No longer requires sterilisation or surgery for change since 2017[483] No
    Russia Russia
    sent to concentration camps
    based on their perceived sexual orientation.     		No No Constitutional ban since 2020[340] No No No No Gender change has not been legal since 2023[558] No
    South Ossetia South Ossetia
    (Disputed territory)     		Yes Legal after 1991 No No No No
    Transnistria Transnistria
    (Disputed territory)     		Yes Legal since 2002[559] No No No No
    Ukraine Ukraine Yes Legal since 1991
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No Constitutional ban since 1996[560] No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[561] Yes[562][563] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[564] Yes No longer requires sterilisation or surgery for change since 2016 Yes/No[565][566]

    Northern Europe

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Denmark Denmark Yes Legal since 1933; equal age of consent since 1973
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships from 1989 to 2012 (existing partnerships are still recognised)[567] Yes Legal since 2012[568][569] Yes Stepchild adoption since 1999;
    joint adoption since 2010[570][571]     		Yes Includes transgender people[572] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Legal gender change and recognition possible without surgery or hormone therapy[573] Yes[574][575]
    Estonia Estonia Yes Legal since 1992
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Cohabitation agreement since 2016[576] Yes Legal since 2024[577] Yes Stepchild adoption since 2016;
    joint adoption since 2024[578]     		Yes[citation needed] Includes transgender people[579] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Gender reassignment legal; surgery not required[483] Yes
    Faroe Islands Faroe Islands
    (Autonomous Territory within the Kingdom of Denmark)     		Yes Legal since 1933; equal age of consent since 1977
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Yes Legal since 2017[580][581] Yes Legal since 2017 Yes The Kingdom of Denmark responsible for defence Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[582][583] No[584] Yes
    Finland Finland
    Åland (includes Åland)     		Yes Legal since 1971; equal age of consent since 1999
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships from 2002 to 2017 (existing partnerships are still recognised)[585] Yes Legal since 2017[586] Yes Stepchild adoption since 2009;
    joint adoption since 2017     		Yes Includes transgender people[587] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Since 2023, by way of self-determination.[588] Yes
    Iceland Iceland Yes Legal since 1940; equal age of consent since 1992
    (As part of Denmark)
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered cohabitation since 2006;[589]
    Registered partnerships from 1996 to 2010 (existing partnerships are still recognised)[590]     		Yes Legal since 2010[591][592] Yes Legal since 2006[593][594]
    No standing army
         		Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Documents can be amended to the recognised gender, sterilisation not required[595][483] Yes
    Latvia Latvia Yes Legal since 1992
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Upcoming Registered partnerships from July 1, 2024[596] No Constitutional ban since 2006[597] No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples, incl. stepchild adoption[598] Yes[599] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[600] YesLegal change allowed[601] but requires "full" transition and doctor's or court's approval.[602] Sterilization required.[603]
    Lithuania Lithuania Yes Legal since 1993
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No/Yes Limited residency rights for married same-sex couples since 2018; Cohabitation agreement pending [604] Civil unions proposed. No Constitutional ban since 1992[605] No Only married couples can adopt[606] YesSince 2015[607] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355]
    surgery and no non-binary option available.[608][609]
    		 No
    Norway Norway Yes Legal since 1972
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships from 1993 to 2009 (existing partnerships are still recognised)[610] Yes Legal since 2009[611][612] Yes Stepchild adoption since 2002;
    joint adoption since 2009[613][614]     		Yes Includes transgender people[615] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[616] Yes All documents can be amended to the recognised gender[359] Yes
    Sweden Sweden Yes Legal since 1944; equal age of consent since 1972
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships from 1995 to 2009 (existing partnerships are still recognised)[617] Yes Legal since 2009[618] Yes Legal since 2003[619][620] Yes[621] Includes transgender people[622] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes[623] Yes

    Southern Europe

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Akrotiri and Dhekelia Akrotiri and Dhekelia
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 2000; equal age of consent since 2003
    + UN decl. sign.[64][624][625]     		Yes Since 2005, for members of the British Armed Forces[626] Yes Since 2014, for members of the British Armed Forces[627] Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[628]
    Albania Albania Yes Legal since 1995
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] No No legal recognition[483]
    Andorra Andorra Yes Legal since 1791
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Stable unions since 2005[629]; Civil unions from 2014–2023, replaced by civil marriage[630] Yes Legal since 2023 Yes Legal since 2014[631][630][632]
    Has no military
    		 Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Since 2023, without SRS and sterilization - but with a mandatory 2-year waiting period.[633] Yes[634][635]
    Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina Yes Legal since 1996 in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Republika Srpska since 1998, and in Brčko District since 2003
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes[citation needed] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Requires surgery for change[636]
    Bulgaria Bulgaria Yes Legal since 1968; equal age of consent since 2002
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No/Yes Limited residency rights for married same-sex couples since 2018 No Constitutional ban since 1991[637] No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[638] Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Forbids discrimination based on gender identity.[639][640]

    No Transgender people are not allowed to change gender since 2017.[641][642]

    		No
    Croatia Croatia Yes Legal since 1977 (As part of Yugoslavia); equal age of consent since 1998
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Unregistered cohabitation since 2003 [643] Life partnerships since 2014[644]
    2013[645]
    		 Yes Legal since 2022[646] Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355][647] Yes Act on the elimination of discrimination bans all discrimination based on both gender identity and gender expression. Gender change is regulated by special policy issued by Ministry of Health.[648] Yes/No
    Cyprus Cyprus Yes Legal since 1998; equal age of consent since 2002
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil cohabitation since 2015[353] No No Yes[354] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Forbids some discrimination based on gender identity.[356]
    No Gender change is not legal.     		Yes/No
    Gibraltar Gibraltar; equal age of consent since 2012
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 1993
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil partnerships since 2014[649] Yes Legal since 2016[650] Yes Legal since 2014 Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[651] Yes Forbids discrimination on the grounds of gender reassignment[651]

    No Gender change is not legal

    Greece Greece Yes Legal since 1951; equal age of consent since 2015
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Cohabitation agreements since 2015[652] Yes Legal since 2024[653] Yes Legal since 2024 Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Under the Legal Gender Recognition Act 2017[654][655] Yes
    Italy Italy Yes Legal since 1890
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil unions since 2016[656] No In 2018 the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriages performed abroad must be registered as civil unions. (Proposed) [657] Yes/No Stepchild adoption admitted by the Court of Cassation since 2016[658][659] Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Legal recognition and documents can be amended to the recognised gender, sterilisation not required[660][661] Yes
    Kosovo Kosovo
    (Disputed territory)
    Yugoslavia); equal age of consent since 2004[64]
    		 No No[662] No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[663][664] Yes[citation needed] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[665] Yes Forbids discrimination based on gender identity.

    No No legal recognition[483]

    Malta Malta Yes Legal since 1973
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil unions since 2014[666] Yes Legal since 2017 Yes Legal since 2014 Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355]
    Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2016     		Yes Transgender people allowed to change gender; surgery not required since 2015[667] Yes
    Montenegro Montenegro Yes Legal since 1977 (As part of Yugoslavia)
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Life partnership from July 2021[668] No Constitutional ban since 2007 (Court decision pending)[669][670] No Yes[citation needed] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Requires sterilisation and surgery for change[359][483] Yes/No
    North Macedonia North Macedonia Yes Legal since 1996
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No (Proposed) No No Yes[citation needed] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Forbids discrimination based on gender identity.

    Gender change is legally recognized since 2021

    		Yes/No
    Northern Cyprus Northern Cyprus
    (Disputed territory)     		Yes Legal since 2014[381][382][64] No No No No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[381][382] Yes Legal, requires surgery for change[383]
    Portugal Portugal Yes Legal since 1983; equal age of consent since 2007
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes De facto unions since 2001[671][672] Yes Legal since 2010[673] Yes Legal since 2016[674][675][676] Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes All documents can be amended to the recognised gender since 2011[677] Yes
    Romania Romania Yes Legal since 1996; equal age of consent since 2002
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No/Yes Limited residency rights for married same-sex couples since 2018;[678]
    		 No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[679] Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Legal recognition after sex reassignment surgery (sterilisation mandatory)[483] No
    San Marino San Marino Yes Legal since 1865
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil unions since 2019 No Yes/No Stepchild adoption legal since 2019 Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination No No legal recognition[359]
    Serbia Serbia
    Yugoslavia); equal age of consent since 2006
    + UN decl. sign.[64]
    		 No (Proposed) No Constitutional ban since 2006[681] No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Legal after 1 year of hormone therapy, surgery no longer required since 2019[682] No
    Spain Spain Yes Legal since 1979
    + UN decl. sign.[64]
    Castile-La Mancha (2000),[683] Valencia (2001),[684] the Balearic Islands (2001),[685] Madrid (2001),[683] Asturias (2002),[686] Castile and León (2002),[687] Andalusia (2002),[683] the Canary Islands (2003),[683] Extremadura (2003),[683] Basque Country (2003),[683] Cantabria (2005),[688] Galicia (2008)[689] La Rioja (2010),[690] and Murcia (2018),[691][692] and in both autonomous cities; Ceuta (1998)[693] and Melilla (2008).[694]
    		 Yes Legal since 2005[695] Yes Legal since 2005[696][697] Yes Includes transgender people[698] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355]
    Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal nationwide since 2023.[699]     		Yes Since 2023, by way of self-determination[700] Yes
    Turkey Turkey Yes Legal since 1858[64] No No No No No Yes Legal since 1988, requires sterilisation and surgery for change[701] No
    Vatican City Vatican City Yes Legal since 1890 (As part of Italy)[64] No No No
    Has no military
    		 No No

    Western Europe

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Belgium Belgium Yes Legal nationwide since 1795; equal age of consent since 1985
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Legal cohabitation since 2000[702] Yes Legal since 2003[703][704][705] Yes Legal since 2006[706][707] Yes Includes transgender people[708] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Since 2018, sex changes do not require sterilisation and surgery[709] Yes[710][711]
    France France Yes Legal nationwide since 1791
    Legal in Savoy since 1792; equal age of consent since 1982
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil solidarity pact since 1999[712] Yes Legal since 2013[713] Yes Legal since 2013[714] Yes Includes transgender people[715] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[355] Yes Since 2017, sex changes no longer requires sterilisation and surgery[716] Yes
    Bailiwick of Guernsey Guernsey
    (Crown Dependency of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 1983; equal age of consent since 2012
    + UN decl. sign.[717][718][64]     		Yes Civil partnerships performed in the UK abroad recognised for succession purposes in inheritance and other matters respecting interests in property since 2012[719][720] Legal cohabitation since 2017[721] Yes Legal since 2017 in Guernsey, since 2018 in Alderney, and since 2020 in Sark[722]
    [723]     		Yes Legal since 2017[724] Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[725][726] Yes Legal gender changes since 2007[727][728] Yes
    Republic of Ireland Ireland Yes Male legal since 1993
    Female always legal
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil partnerships from 2011 to 2015 (existing partnerships are still recognised)[729] Yes Legal since 2015 after a constitutional referendum[730] Yes Legal since 2017[731][732][733][734][735][736] Yes Includes transgender people[737] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[738][739][740] Yes Under the Gender Recognition Act 2015, by self-declaration.[741] Yes
    Isle of Man Isle of Man; equal age of consent since 2006
    (Crown Dependency of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 1992
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil partnerships since 2011[742] Yes Legal since 2016[743] Yes Legal since 2011 Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[744] Yes Transgender people are allowed to change their legal gender and to have their new gender recognised as a result of the Gender Recognition Act 2009 (c.11)[745][746] Yes
    Jersey Jersey; equal age of consent since 2006
    (Crown Dependency of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 1990
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil partnerships since 2012[747] Yes Legal since 2018[748][749] Yes Legal since 2012 Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[750] Yes Under the Gender Recognition (Jersey) Law 2010[751] Yes
    Luxembourg Luxembourg Yes Legal since 1795; equal age of consent since 1992
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnerships since 2004[752] Yes Legal since 2015[753][754] Yes Legal since 2015[755] Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[756] Yes No divorce, sterilization and/or surgery legally required since September 2018 for change of gender[757][483] Yes
    Monaco Monaco Yes Legal since 1793
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Cohabitation agreements since 2020 No (Proposed) No Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[64]
    Netherlands Netherlands Yes Legal since 1811; equal age of consent since 1971
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Registered partnership since 1998[758] Yes Legal since 2001[759] Yes Legal since 2001[760][761] Yes Includes transgender people[762] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[763] Yes Since 2014, sex changes do not require sterilisation and surgery[764][765] Yes
    United Kingdom United Kingdom Yes Female always legal. Male legal in England and Wales since 1967, in Scotland since 1981, and in Northern Ireland since 1982; equal age of consent since 2001
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil partnerships since 2005[766] Yes Legal in England, Wales, and Scotland since 2014, and Northern Ireland since 2020[767][767] Yes Legal in England and Wales since 2005, in Scotland since 2009 and Northern Ireland since 2013[768][769][770] Yes Since 2000; Includes transgender people[771] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[772][64] [773] Yes Under the Gender Recognition Act 2004 Yes

    Oceania

    Main article: LGBT rights in Oceania
    List of countries or territories by LGBT rights in Oceania
    Tables:

    Australasia

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Australia Australia
    (including territories of
     Christmas Island, the
     Cocos (Keeling) Islands and
     Norfolk Island)     		Yes Always legal for women. Male legal in some states and territories since 1975, nationwide since 1997. Tasmania was the last state to legalise male homosexuality; Equal age of consent in some states and territories since 1975, nationwide since 2016.
    + UN decl. sign.[64]
    Victoria (2008),[776] New South Wales (2010),[777] and Queensland (2012);[778]
    Civil unions in the Australian Capital Territory (2012)[779]
    		 Yes Legal since 2017[780] Yes Legal nationwide since 2018 Yes Gay men and lesbians since 1992[781]; Transgender and intersex people since 2010[782] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination.[783]
    sexual reassignment surgery to change sex on a birth certificate, since 1996.[784][785]
    		 Yes[786][787]
    New Zealand New Zealand Yes Legal since 1986
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Unregistered cohabitation since 2002;
    Civil unions since 2005     		Yes Legal since 2013[788] Yes Legal since 2013[788] Yes Since 1993; Includes transgender people[789] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination
    Human Rights Act 1993; From July 2023, change of sex on a birth certificate by self-determination.[790][791]
    		 Yes

    Melanesia

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Fiji Fiji Yes Legal since 2010
    + UN decl. sign.[792][64]     		No No No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[64]
    Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2010
    Indonesia Indonesia Yes Legal (except in Aceh)[64][793] No No No No Yes Limited protection following legal process by the authorities.[794]
    sex reassignment surgery
    .     		No
    New Caledonia
    (Special collectivity of France
    )     		Yes Legal
    (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the collectivity)
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil solidarity pact since 2009[795] Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law Yes
    Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea No Male illegal
    Penalty: 3 to 14 years imprisonment (Not enforced, Legalization proposed).
    Yes Female always legal[64]     		No No No No No No No
    Solomon Islands
    		 No Illegal
    Penalty: Up to 14 years imprisonment (Not enforced, Legalization proposed).[64]     		No No No
    Has no military
    		 No[796] No No
    Vanuatu Vanuatu Yes Legal
    (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed since independence[797])
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination No

    Micronesia

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    Guam Guam
    (Unincorporated territory of the United States)     		Yes Legal since 1978 Yes Since 2015 Yes Legal since 2015 Yes Legal since 2002 Yes United States responsible for defense[798][799] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination
    sex reassignment surgery
    		 Yes
    Federated States of Micronesia Micronesia Yes Legal
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No
    Has no military
    		 Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[800]
    Kiribati Kiribati No Male illegal
    Penalty: 5-14 years imprisonment (Not enforced, Legalization proposed).
    Yes Female legal[64]     		No No No
    Has no military
    		 Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination No
    Marshall Islands Marshall Islands Yes Legal since 2005
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No
    Has no military
    		 Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[801]
    Nauru Nauru Yes Legal since 2016[802][803]
    + UN decl. sign.     		No No No
    Has no military
    		 No
    Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2016     		No
    Northern Mariana Islands Northern Mariana Islands
    (Unincorporated territory of the United States)     		Yes Legal since 1983 Yes Since 2015 Yes Legal since 2015 Yes Legal since 2015 Yes United States responsible for defense[798][799] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[804][805] Yes Under the Vital Statistics Act of 2006 Yes
    Palau Palau Yes Legal since 2014
    + UN decl. sign.[806]     		No No Constitutional ban since 2008 No
    Has no military
    		 No No
    Unincorporated territories of the United States
    )     		Yes Legal Yes Yes Legal Yes Legal Yes United States responsible for defense[798][799] No No Yes

    Polynesia

    LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
    American Samoa American Samoa
    (Unincorporated territory of the United States)[807]     		Yes Legal since 1980 No/Yes Same-sex marriages recognized but not performed under Respect for Marriage Act since 2022. No/Yes Same-sex marriages recognized but not performed under Respect for Marriage Act since 2022.[808] No Yes United States responsible for defense[798][799] No Yes[809]
    Cook Islands Cook Islands
    (Part of the Realm of New Zealand)     		Yes Legal since 2023
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes New Zealand responsible for defence Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[810] No
    Easter Island Easter Island
    (Special territory of Chile)     		Yes Legal since 1999
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil unions since 2015[811] Yes Since 2022[292] Yes Since 2022[292] Yes Chile responsible for defence[812][813] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[814]
    Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2021     		Yes Transgender persons can change their legal gender and name since 1974.
    No surgeries or judicial order since 2019.[815]     		Yes
    French Polynesia
    (Overseas collectivity of France
    )     		Yes Legal
    (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the collectivity)
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law Yes
    Hawaii Hawaii
    (Constituent state of the United States)     		Yes Since 1972 Yes Since 1997 Yes Since 2013 Yes Since 2012 Yes United States responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Yes
    Niue Niue
    (Part of the Realm of New Zealand)     		No Male illegal
    Penalty: 5-10 years imprisonment. (Not enforced, Legalization proposed).[816]
    Yes Female legal
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes New Zealand responsible for defence
    Pitcairn Islands Pitcairn Islands
    (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)     		Yes Legal since 2001
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Since 2015 Yes Legal since 2015[817] Yes Legal since 2015[818] Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Constitutional ban on all anti-gay discrimination[819] Yes
    Samoa Samoa No Male illegal
    Penalty: 5-7 years imprisonment (Not enforced). Legalization proposed
    Yes Female always legal
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No
    Has no military
    		 Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[820]
    Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2007
    fa'afafine
    . They are a recognized part of traditional Samoan customs.     		Yes/No
    Tokelau Tokelau
    (Dependent territory of the Realm of New Zealand)     		Yes Legal since 2003[821]
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No No Yes New Zealand responsible for defence No No
    Tonga Tonga No Male illegal
    Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment (Not enforced, Legalization proposed).
    Yes Female always legal[64]     		No No No No No No No
    Tuvalu Tuvalu No Male illegal
    Penalty: Up to 14 years imprisonment (Not enforced). Legalization proposed
    Yes Female legal
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		No No Consitutional ban since 2023 No
    Has no military
    		 Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination
    Wallis and Futuna
    (Overseas collectivity of France
    )     		Yes Legal
    (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the collectivity)
    + UN decl. sign.[64]     		Yes Civil solidarity pact since 2009 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law Yes

    See also