In 2013, there were 138 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 84 changes made and 145 in the following year. A total of 1291 legal changes were made in the 2010s.
- December 21LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.Under the election reform law.
- December 19Same-sex marriage becomes legal.State's highest court rules gay marriage ban unconstitutional
- December 18Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of not requiring surgery to change one's gender on official documents. It is still required to get a medical diagnosis, however.
- December 11
- Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).In the Supreme Court case of Suresh Kumar Koushal v. Naz Foundation, a two-judge Division Bench overturned the Delhi High Court's decision in Naz Foundation v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi, upholding the constitutionality of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized same-sex sexual intercourse and carried a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
- December 2Same-sex marriage becomes legal.Gay couples tie the knot in Hawaii as same-sex marriage law kicks in
- December 1
- November 27
- November 20Same-sex marriage becomes legal.In 2013, Illinois legalized same-sex marriage.
- November 15Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.Legally married same sex couples from outside the state can file joint tax returns, analogous with the state recognizing their union. The actual state of marriage is still currently in question.
- November 12Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.Vietnamese government said that they are trying to get a bill passed. Gay marriage pending and Gay Union pending.
- Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.Proposition 110 still states that same sex union is not legal. However, it removed all penalty involved with marriage ceremony or attempts to register, effectively de-criminalizing the act.
- November 11Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.Changes in the sex on legal documents are only allowed for Hijras, Intersex, and Third Gender citizens
- Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.The Bangladeshi government has acknowledged a third gender (hijra), and is allowed to be legally registered as a gender.
- October 22Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.Passed in ACT only but overturned by the High Court
- October 10LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.Until 2013 discrimination was only illegal in the workplace. In 2013, the Cypriot Penal Code has been amended to make violence against LGBT people an aggravating factor in sentencing. Article 99 of the code, entitled "Incitment to violence or hatred due to sexual orientation or gender identity", provides for imprisonment not exceeding three years or to a fine not exceeding 5,000 euros for any person who "intentionally, publicly or in manner which is threatening or insulting or offensive in nature, urges or incites, orally or in writing, violence or hatred against a group, person, or a member of a group of persons on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity".
- September 27Same-sex marriage becomes legal.In 2013, New Jersey legalized same-sex marriage.
- September 19LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).Not all clinics/hospitals follow this law.
- September 13
- September 6LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
- August 19
- Same-sex marriage becomes legal.Law was changed upon the passing of the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act in 2013, which included the amendment under section 5 clarifying the meaning of marriage to "the union of 2 people, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity". New Zealand was the fifteenth country in the world, and the first in Oceania, to enact marriage equality.
- August 8
- August 5Same-sex marriage becomes legal.Same-sex marriage became legal in Uruguay after the passing of the Equal Marriage Act. Uruguay became the fourteenth country in the world to legalise gay marriage, and the third South American country to do so after Argentina and Brazil.
- AugustConversion therapy becomes banned.Conversion therapy was banned by the state legislature and signed into law by the governor in August of 2013. It was contested in court and the ban was upheld by the courts.
- August 1Same-sex marriage becomes legal.In 2013, Rhode Island legalized same-sex marriage.
- Same-sex marriage becomes legal.Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill into law overturning a previous law which banned marriage between anyone other than one man and one woman.
- July 31
- July 29
- July 22Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (5-year deferral).Following Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
- July 17
- Same-sex marriage becomes legal.In 2013, Parliament passed the Marriage Act that introduced same sex marriage for couples in England.
- July 4LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.Under Bermudas anti discrimination law.
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.Under Bermuda's anti discrimination law.
- LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.The Human Rights bill is amended to include protection clauses for sexual orientation (but not gender identity explicitly)
- July 3
- July 2Same-sex adoption becomes single only.Adoption is being regulated by the Civil Procedure Code of Russia (Chapter 29); Family Code of Russia (Chapter 19); Federal Law On Acts of Civil Status (Chapter V). None of these documents contain any direct restriction or ban for homosexual people to ado
- Same-sex adoption becomes single only.Adoption is being regulated by the Civil Procedure Code of Russia (Chapter 29); Family Code of Russia (Chapter 19); Federal Law On Acts of Civil Status (Chapter V). None of these documents contain any direct restriction or ban for homosexual people to adopt.
- July 1LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.Under the Cook Island Criminal Code.
- Same-sex marriage becomes legal.In 2013, Delaware legalized same-sex marriage.
- June 28LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.as being a territory of Australia.
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.as being a territory of Australia.
- LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
- Same-sex marriage becomes legal.In 2013, California legalized same-sex marriage permanently; rendering Proposition 8 unenforceable.
- June 26Serving openly in military becomes legal.In Croatia, there is no regulation that would prohibit LGBT persons from participating in the Armed Forces. Article 12 (3) of the Law on Service in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, adopted on June 14, 2013, prohibits discrimination in the army on several grounds, one of which is sexual orientation.
- June 11Censorship of LGBT issues becomes fine as punishment.In 2013, Russia introduced a law known as "for the Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating for a Denial of Traditional Family Values" (known worldwide as the "gay propaganda law") which prohibits the promotion of homosexual topics. According to the Russian government, this law is aimed to "protect" children from being exposed to homosexuality, since it goes against "traditional family values." Foreigners who break this law can be arrested and detained for up to 15 days (or fined up to 5,000 rubles) and then deported.
- Censorship of LGBT issues becomes fine as punishment.In 2013, Russia introduced a law known as "for the Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating for a Denial of Traditional Family Values" (also known as the "gay propaganda law") which bans the dissemination of “propaganda for nontraditional sexual relationships,” broadly understood to be lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships, among under-18s. According to the Russian government, this law is aimed to "protect" children from being exposed to homosexuality, since it goes against "traditional family values." People found guilty of breaking the law face fines of between 4,000 and 5,000 rubles; government officials face fines of 40,000 to 50,000 rubles; and organizations, up to 1 million rubles or a suspension of activity for up to 90 days. Heavier fines may be imposed for the same actions if the act was carried out using mass media and telecommunications, including the Internet. Foreigners can be arrested and detained for up to 15 days (or fined up to 5,000 rubles) and then deported. In December 2022, Russia expanded the law to cover all ages, instead of only minors, effectively making any display or mention of LGBT relationships and lifestyles on public platforms illegal. The penalties were also increased, with individuals now facing fines of up to 400,000 rubles; and organizations, up to 5 million rubles. The dissemination of materials promoting gender dysphoria among minors was also banned.
- June 10LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.This state explicitly bans housing discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identification. Additionally, the Human Rights Campaign states, "The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires grantees and participants of HUD programs to comply with local and state non-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity. HUD also prohibits inquiries regarding the sexual orientation or gender identity of a prospective tenant or applicant for assisted housing in every state (March 2012)."
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
- LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.People are protected from discrimination based upon both sexual orientation and gender identification.
- May 29Equal age of consent becomes equal.Pursuant to NRS 201.195, the law prohibiting sexual contact with minors 16+ has been repealed. NRS 201.195.2 previously disallowed homosexual persons under the age of 18 from having sexual contact, but allowed heterosexual couples aged 16+ to attain such acts. In May 29, 2013, that subsection was repealed, and the law applied equally to both Homosexual and Heterosexual persons aged 16+
- LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.Law does not protect against property rentals.
- May 22Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (5-year deferral).Following the Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (5-year deferral).Following Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
- LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.The Anti-Discrimination Act (Slovak: Antidiskriminačný zákon) was adopted in 2004, to comply with the European Union's requirements on anti-discrimination law in its member states. The act, broadened in 2008, made it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in a wide variety of areas, including employment, education, housing, social care and the provision of goods and services. In May 2013, the Criminal Code was amended to include sexual orientation as a ground for hate crimes, allowing harsher penalties for crimes motivated by homophobia. Additionally, hate speech on the basis of sexual orientation was outlawed.
- May 18Same-sex marriage becomes legal.France passed comprehensive same-sex marriage legislation in 2013; entitling gay and lesbian people to equal marriage rights in Metropolitan France and all its overseas departments. France was the ninth European country and the thirteenth country in the world to legalise gay marriage.
- May 17
- Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
- May 16Same-sex marriage becomes legal.Following a resolution by the National Council of Justice (CNJ), any same-sex union can be converted into a marriage. It was approved on May 14 and came into force on May 16. Brazil was the second South American country after Argentina, and the twelfth in the world to legalise gay marriage.
- May 13Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.Hong Kong Supreme Court ruled that post-operative transsexuals could change their legal gender for purposes including marriage.
- May 1Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).The Colorado General Assembly passed SB-11, the Colorado Civil Union Act.
- April 24Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.The Chilean Health Ministry repeals the blood ban after a year of lobbying by the country's leading LGBT organization, Chilean Homosexual Integration and Liberation Movement (MOVILH).
- April 19Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
- April 18Homosexual activity becomes legal.
- April 17
- Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
- April 14Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
- April 2
- AprilSame-sex adoption becomes legal.
- March 19Same-sex marriage becomes banned.Article 78 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe explicitly prohibits same-sex marriage.
- February 22LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.Under hundras criminal code.
- LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.Article 321 of the penal code was amended to protect LGBT individual from discrimination. Implementation of this law however has not yet been found.
- February 19Same-sex adoption becomes second parent adoption only.Same-sex couples in Germany can legally adopt a step-child, biological or not of the other partner.
- February 1Same-sex adoption becomes legal.A same sex couple can adopt through the agency they're adopting their child at or through an independent adoption.
- January 9Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.Legal gender recognition is available in Sweden under the Law on Gender Determination in Certaing Cases (Law No. 1972:119) (1972). Although it has been reformed several times, it still includes pathologizing requirements such as medical diagnosis and a "real life" test. Applications are made to the National Health and Welfare Board. They must be accompanied by a medical report stating that the person has undergone the primary “investigation”, via psychiatrist, to confirm the “diagnosis of transsexualism”. (ILGA)
- January 1
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
- (date unknown)
- JanuaryServing openly in military becomes legal.After Supreme Federal Court recognition, LGBT people can serve openly in military in Brazil. People who are legally male at the age of 18 are obligated to serve, including trans men who have transitioned or trans women who haven't changed their legal gender yet. The latter can be dispensed once the change is made.
- (date unknown)
- Censorship of LGBT issues becomes other punishment.Penal Code 2013, Art. 237 Other Homosexual Acts: Article 237 provides that same-sex affection between men or between women other than ‘liwat’ or ‘tafkhiz’ (Anal Sex between men and frotting) , such as “kissing or touching as a result of lust”, is punishable with 31-74 lashes. In Iran, there are no laws restricting to discussing LGBT topics in the Internet. However those who are accused of Political dissidence or plotting to " overthrow the Islamic Republic " could be subjected to the death penalty as well, of which charges are also included with Homosexuality . An estimated number from the Amnesty International reports is that more than 5,000 Gay men and Lesbians have been executed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
- January 1Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.under the Sex Discrimination admendment act
- JanuarySame-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.In March 2013, José Pereira Coutinho, a Member of the Legislative Assembly, submitted a bill to the Legislative Assembly to recognize same-sex civil unions, granting them the same rights as heterosexual couples, except the right to adopt. The bill was rejected with the sole vote of Coutinho in favor, 17 votes against and 4 abstentions.
- January 1
- Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
- (date unknown)Same-sex adoption becomes illegal.Missing laws for same-sex couples. In 2013, the Supreme Court refused to grant custody of a child to a gay man. The Supreme Court stated that because Tonga’s criminal law still prohibits carnal knowledge between consenting adults of the same sex, “[n]o court would entrust a very young child into the care of person whose lifestyle carries with it a very real risk of prosecution.”
- January 1
- Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
- Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.Under Sex discrimination.
- Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
- Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.Under the Cuban Criminal Code.
- LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
- (date unknown)Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.DECISION T-918-12 The Constitutional Court rules on the right to sexual identity, its relationship with the right to health in the case of transgender people and the change of the marital status of persons on the grounds on gender reassignment. The Chamber rules that it is the duty of the Health Promotion Agency to which the plaintiff is registered, to apply the procedures needed for the gender reassignment surgery, since these are covered by the Compulsory Health Plan (POS). Additionally, in the action for protection it is requested the application of all the procedures required for the normalization of the process of feminization and changing registration of gender from MALE to FEMALE, without leaving in this document any record of the biological condition. DECREE 1227 OF 2015 On June 5, the Colombian President signed Decree 1227, which authorizes citizens to change their sex on identification documents through a Notary Public and without having to prove their sexual identity through psychiatric or physical evaluations.
- January 1
- Same-sex marriage becomes legal.On 01 January 2012, Maryland legalized same-sex marriage.
- (date unknown)
- January 1
- JanuarySame-sex adoption becomes second parent adoption only.Only step child adoption can take place
- January 1Same-sex marriage becomes varies by region.Came into force as of March 29th, 2014. Same-sex marriage was still unrecognized fully in some parts of the UK (such as Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man).
LGBT Organizations Founded in 2013
Outbound
GlobalAn organization that makes sure that no one is alone when coming out of the closet by facilitating relevant and personalized mentorship.Vocal Organization for International Courage & Equality (V.O.I.C.E.)
GlobalThe Vocal Organization for International Courage & Equality (V.O.I.C.E.) was established in 2013 as a result of the overwhelming support of our visual equality campaign,Diversity PRO
GlobalDiversity PRO is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) aimed at raising awareness to workplace Diversity & Inclusion, and promoting Diversity visibility and leadership.Subversive Front
Promotion of a critical, creative, queer, non-patriarchal approach to gender and sexuality through a variety of public, educational, institutional actions and debates that will…Barbados Gays, Lesbians And All-Sexuals Against Discrimination
It is an organization that is dedicated to create an education mechanism and open public dialogue in a supportive manor for the lgbt community in Barbados.Inclusive Forum Nepal
Inclusive Forum Nepal is an organization working for Lesbian,Bisexual and Transgender Women in Nepal.Not The Third Sex Movement
GlobalA movement against the discriminatory and degrading classification of transgenders and intersexs are third class genders. It is a community organization formed against forceful…HK GALA
The Hong Kong LGBT+ Attorneys (HKGALA) Network was founded in 2013 by a group of attorneys (Wally Suphap, Marc Rubinstein and Mike Kung) as the first network for gay, lesbian…Love Does Not Exclude Association