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1954 in LGBT Rights

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In 1954, there were 4 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 4 changes made and in the following year. A total of 34 legal changes were made in the 1950s.

  • July 15
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    The Vagrants and Common Delinquents Law (Ley de Vagos y Maleantes) was modified under the regime of Francisco Franco to prohibit homosexual acts, with a penalty of imprisonment. In 1970 the Law on Danger and Social Rehabilitation (Ley Sobre Peligrosidad y Rehabilitación Social) was introduced that further enforced the prohibition and specified a prison term of up to 5 years.
  • June 26
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    In the 1953-54 parliamentary session, the Criminal Code was amended to also criminalize homosexuality between women. The amendment took effect in the summer of 1954.
  • (date unknown)
    Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    Since at least the "Customs/Personal Law/Special Marriage Act, 1954" marriage has been referred to as between a man and a woman. Several laws since have also done this.
  • Serving openly in military becomes illegal.
    Between 1954 and 2005 homosexuality was considered a mental disorder and gay men were prohibited from serving.