1986 in LGBT Rights

In 1986, there were 12 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 12 changes made and 14 in the following year. A total of 151 legal changes were made in the 1980s.

  • December 6
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act of 1986 prevents discriminatory activities, however, the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 provides exemptions for religious institutions.
  • November 11
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    Anal intercourse between two consenting male adults is punishable by twenty-five (25) years imprisonment. Anal intercourse committed by a minor is punishable by five (5) years imprisonment. Serious indecency between two adults of the same sex is punishable by five years imprisonment. ("An act of “serious indecency” is an act, other than sexual intercourse (whether natural or unnatural), by a person involving the use of the genital organ for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire.")
  • August 8
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Equal age of consent since homosexual (male-and-male) activity was legalised with the commencement of the Homosexual Law Reform Act on 8 August 1986.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    In 1986, homosexuality was legalised with the commencement of the Homosexual Law Reform Act.
  • April 12
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    The civil law of the People's Republic of China allows for legal gender change and requires undergoing sex reassignment surgery
  • (date unknown)
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal.
    While gender-affirming care in Israel is legal since 1986, there are many practical barriers. To go through the public health system for gender confirmation surgery you must be approved by a very selective committee, additionally, they only allow one surgeon to perform such an operation. It is theorised that the committee is much more likely to reject under-18 applicants, however these claims are unproven. Private healthcare however is much more expensive.
  • January 1
    Serving openly in military becomes lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned.
    Until 1986, "sexual deviance" was a reason for exclusion for military service. At that time, some men claimed to be homosexual to avoid the draft. Lesbians have never been banned from the Italian military since women were first allowed to serve in 2000. Since 2010, discrimination against gays and lesbians in military service is banned, but the situation for transgender people is unclear. The organization Polis Aperta estimates that 5 to 10% of Italians in uniformed service (military or police) are LGB. Despite the ban on discrimination, some service personnel unfortunately face harassment or violence because of their sexual orientation. Unfortunately transgenders have not yet gained the right to military service in Italy
  • (date unknown)
    Gender-affirming care becomes restricted.
    In 1986, Rwanda legalized sterilization, which de facto meant legalizing sex reassignment surgery, however, medical records regarding transsexualism had to be obtained abroad. Hormone therapy is not available however.
  • Gender-affirming care becomes restricted.
    In 1986, Kenya legalized sterilization, which de facto meant legalizing sex reassignment surgery, however, medical records regarding transsexualism had to be obtained abroad.
  • January 1
    Gender-affirming care becomes restricted.
    In 1986, India legalized sterilization, which de facto meant legalizing sex reassignment surgery, however, medical records regarding transsexualism had to be obtained abroad.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Israelis can change their legal gender only after a sex-reassignment surgery.
  • Serving openly in military becomes lesbians, gays, bisexuals permitted, transgender people banned.
    Until 1986, "sexual deviance" was a reason for exclusion for military service. At that time, some men claimed to be homosexual to avoid the draft. Lesbians have never been banned from the Italian military since women were first allowed to serve in 2000. Since 2010, discrimination against gays and lesbians in military service is banned, but the situation for transgender people is unclear. The organization Polis Aperta estimates that 5 to 10% of Italians in uniformed service (military or police) are LGB. Despite the ban on discrimination, some service personnel unfortunately face harassment or violence because of their sexual orientation. Unfortunately transgenders have not yet gained the right to military service in Italy

LGBT Organizations Founded in 1986

  • Egale Canada FaviconEgale Canada
    Egale Canada is Canada
  • PROMO FaviconPROMO
    A prominent Missouri-based LGBTQ+ advocacy and lobbying organization.
  • Lambda FaviconLambda
    Lambda is an organization made for LGBTQ+ people in Valencia, it's the main organization for activism and a safe space for everyone, it has diverse age groups, from youth to…