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1973 in LGBT Rights

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In 1973, there were 13 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 25 changes made and 17 in the following year. A total of 195 legal changes were made in the 1970s.

  • December 21
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Article 242 of the family law states explicitly that marriage is between a man and a woman who has cohabited for more than 3 years. The recent movement of "accidental passage" of same sex marriage has not taken effect or exercised.
  • April 12
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    Pakistani law only prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity.
  • Equal age of consent becomes n/a.
    Age of consent is not applicable because homosexuality is illegal in Pakistan.
  • January 29
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    In 1973, homosexual acts were made legal by the government
  • (date unknown)
    Gender-affirming care becomes restricted.
    In 1973, Indonesia legalized sterilization, which de facto meant legalizing sex reassignment surgery, however, medical records regarding transsexualism had to be obtained abroad.
  • Gender-affirming care becomes restricted.
    In 1973, Chile legalized sterilization, which de facto meant legalizing sex reassignment surgery, however, medical records regarding transsexualism had to be obtained abroad.
  • January 1
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Defended by Dutch.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
  • (date unknown)
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.
    Article 22 of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act (1973) states that "In the event of a child, after being registered, either by operation or otherwise, changing from a female to a male or from a male to a female and such change is certified by a registered medical practitioner, the district registrar of the district in which the birth is registered shall, with the approval of the registrar and on the application of the parent or guardian of that child, alter the particulars of such child which appear in the births register." May possibly change gender under the National Identity Cards Act 9 of 2011.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • January 1
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Legislative repeal, effective 1973.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Legislative repeal, effective 1973.
  • (date unknown)
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    A court ruling in Indonesia in December 2009 stipulated that Indonesians who have undergone gender re-assignment surgery must be allowed to change their gender on identity documents.

LGBT Organizations Founded in 1973

  • Lambda Legal FaviconLambda Legal
    United States
    Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through…
  • National Gay and Lesbian Task Force FaviconNational Gay and Lesbian Task Force
    United States
    The mission of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is to build the grassroots power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.