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2017 in LGBT Rights

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In 2017, there were 200 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 171 changes made and 118 in the following year. A total of 1293 legal changes were made in the 2010s.

  • December 23
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    No laws in place.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes illegal.
    While there is no laws criminalizing same sex couples, we have considered it to be illegal becouse there was never a successful adoption by an LGBTQ personnel in Djibouti.
  • December 20
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Under the Marriage Ordinance 2017, same-sex marriage is legal.
  • December 19
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    No laws in place for same sex couples.
  • December 9
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Following a nation-wide postal vote, 61.6% of Australians voted 'Yes' for Same-sex Marriage in November 2017. The Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017 subsequently passed parliament on 7th December and was given Royal Assent on 8th December, coming into effect from 9th December 2017, Australia-wide (including Victoria).
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Gay Marriage is Legal in the Keeling Isles.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage has been legal in Australia since 9 December 2017. The legislation to allow same-sex marriage, the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, passed the Australian Parliament on 7 December 2017 and received royal assent from the Governor-General the following day.
  • December 1
    Conversion therapy becomes sexual orientation only.
    The same judge changed his decision, keeping the “treatment” banned.
  • November 30
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    The Constitutional Court annulled the provision of the Turkish Civil Code that regulates the condition of "being unable to reproduce" in order to allow gender reassignment. The request for annulment of the condition of having a gender reassignment surgery in order to change the identity card was rejected.
  • November 29
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In early May 2017, the National Council approved a motion calling on all restrictions on gay and bisexual men donating blood to be lifted. According to the National Council, only risky behaviour should be a factor for blood donation, not one's sexual orientation. The motion, introduced by the Conservative Democrats, was approved 97–89.[66] However, this was rejected by the Council of States on 29 November 2017.[67] The 1 year deferral period for gay and bisexual men donating blood therefore remains in place.
  • November 28
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).
    In 2017, the 3-month blood donation rule came into force at blood donation centres in Scotland in November, and in early 2018 in England.
  • November 23
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Federal Adoption of Children Legislation Amendment (Equality) Bill 2017
  • November 7
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).
    3 month deferral. Changes pending.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).
    it is a 3 month deferral. As part of UK.
  • November 3
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Legalized in 2017
  • November 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).
    3 month deferral. Legalization pending.
  • October 23
    Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    The Supreme Court of Nepal issued its judgement, ruling that under Rule 8(1)(h) of the Immigration Rules a foreign national who submits a valid marriage license with a Nepali citizen is eligible to obtain an "NT Visa" as a dependant. The Supreme Court further ruled that the Immigration Rules do not specify that a foreign national applying for an NT Visa must either be of the same or opposite gender. Foreign same-sex spouses of Nepali citizens are now eligible to obtain an NT Visa as a dependant.
  • October 19
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Hawaii allows all couples, including same-sex couples, to adopt.
  • October 16
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    There is full discrimination protections in the city of Birmingham, Montevallo. Full state employment discrimination protections pending. Also protected under Section VII, as well under the case of Glenn v. Brumby.
  • October 15
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Surgery is not required under state or federal law.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
  • October 14
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    Only for state employments. As well sex discrimination protection under section VII under sex includes sexual orientation. Hate crime law to come into effect. Pending statewide.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    State Discrimination protection only. As well as sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination protection in public employment only.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Only in state discrimination. Employment discrimination protections pending
  • October 10
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    No restrictions. No laws in place for same sex couples.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    To change one's legal gender in Greece, the legal requirement is only a court order. Non-binary people are to choose male or female. Forced divorce was also required if the person was married, before same-sex marriage was legal in Greece.
  • October 7
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    No laws in place for same sex couples.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    No restrictions. No laws in place for same sex couples.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    No laws in place for same sex couples.
  • October 6
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    Full Legalization under the 2018 IACHR Ruling. No laws in place for same sex couples.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    No laws in place for same sex couples. Legalization pending.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    Homosexuality is currently illegal. Legalization pending.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    No laws in place for same sex couples.
  • October 5
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    On 5 October 2017, the Minister of Education and Science Enrique Riera signed Resolution N° 29664, which prohibits the use of printed and digital materials referring to "gender theory and/or ideology" in educational institutions. Enrique Riera later said he would volunteer to "burn the books in a public square if they contained gender ideology". The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights expressed its concern about the decision and declared that "these types of measures represent a serious omission of the duty of the State to protect children from all forms of violence and discrimination, in all spheres, and especially in school".
  • October 2
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    under state and federal law. Non binary options pending.
  • October 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (limited rights).
    Since October 1st, 2017, a system that is in use for same-sex couples was enacted called "legal guardianship" or "guardianship agreement". The system grants same-sex couples some limited rights such as medical care, property management and other additional rights that can expressed through different documents the couple may sign. Additionally, Beijing provides dependent residency status to foreign same-sex couples since the 1st of July 2013. In Hong Kong, several court decisions and most notably court case Leung Chun Kwong v Secretary for the Civil Service granted same-sex couples limited rights and benefits in the realm of immigration, tax rights and inheritance.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Section 1741 of the German Civil Code grants all married couples the right to adopt children.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    A bill for marriage equality passed the Bundestag on 30 June 2017 and the Bundesrat on 7 July, becoming law on 1 October. Paragraph 1353 of the German Civil Code.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Since June 1, 2015. Also under Bill C-16. As well there is a hate crime unit investigating complaints.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under the Bill 7 of Alberta legislature. As well under Bill C-16.
  • September 29
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    In 2017, before Botswana's High Court, a transgender man and a transgender woman each successfully contested the Registrar of National Registration's refusal to amend the gender marker on their identity documents. Both individuals invoked Section 16 of the National Registration Act (Act No. 26) (1986), which empowers the Registrar to alter any particulars of a registered person and issue new identity documentation in the event of a significant change in circumstances. These landmark cases have established a precedent for other transgender individuals seeking to update their gender markers on official documents. Subsequently, following the court's rulings, at least 10 transgender individuals have been able to amend their legal gender markers without resorting to legal action.
  • September 25
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    There is a one year deferral for MSMs.
  • September 21
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Newfoundland and Labrador residents can change their IDs and birth certificates to a neutral gender marker option.
  • September 19
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    In September 2017, a federal judge in Brasília approved the use of conversion therapy by a psychologist to “cure” people of homosexuality, overruling the 1999 decision.
  • September 18
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    No laws in place for same sex couples.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).
    MSM not allowed to donate blood.
  • September 12
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    No Requirements. Parent/Guardians must apply on behalf of minors.
  • September 6
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    The Gender Identity Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act provided a method for individuals to apply to have identification documents, including passport, updated with an "X" gender marker.
  • September 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage became legal in Malta under the Marriage Act and other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2017; replacing the heterosexual definition of marriage with gender-neutral language.
  • August 24
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    Conversion therapy ban pending. Widely condemned.
  • August 22
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
  • August 12
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Article 16 of the Law on the Army of Montenegro adopted on July 26, 2017, prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (among others) in relation to persons applying for service in the Army.
  • August 8
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    as of August 10, 2017. It is one of the 10 states and dc that have outlawed this.
  • August 7
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    A 1-year deferral was in effect.
  • August 1
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    Imprisonment of 8 to 15 years as penalty.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Puebla is recognized now the marriage equality
  • Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    Same-sex couples do not receive any legal benefits in Chad.
  • July 28
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes varies by region.
    On July 28th, 2017, the Government of Northwest Territories became the first jurisdiction in Canada to offer a third gender option.
  • July 14
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Transgender people can change their document without surgery not required
  • July 11
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    On July 11th, 2017, same-sex marriage was legalized in Chiapas. Now gay couples can adopt.
  • July 3
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Oregon became the first state to legally recognize the non-binary/non-confirming gender on licenses on July 3rd, 2017.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes varies by region.
    On June 15th, 2017, Oregon officials voted yes to allowing the legal representation of non-binary people. On July 3rd, 2017, this option became available to the public.
  • July 1
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    The criminal code of Mongolia outlaws discrimination against LGBT people.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Northwest Territories residents can ask for an X as a gender marker on their birth certificates.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The Faroe Islands legalized same-sex marriage in 2017, becoming the last Nordic territory to do so.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Transgender people can change their document without surgery not required
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Residents do not require surgery to change their gender marker.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    The new criminal code outlaws discrimination against LGBT people.
  • June 29
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Spain does not provide recognition for non-binary, and intersex people on a national level. However, three provinces have introduced such recognition: Canarias, La Rioja, and Navarra. Navarra became the first on June 29th, 2017, when Law No. 8 (2017) went into effect. Article 44 (1) and (2) state 1. "The Public Administrations of Navarra, within the scope of their powers, must adopt all the necessary measures so that the administrative documentation, in all the areas contemplated in this provincial law, is appropriate to the diversity of sexual or gender identity of LGTBI+ people and the heterogeneity of the family situation."
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes varies by region.
    Spain does not provide recognition for non-binary, and intersex people on a national level. However, three provinces have introduced such recognition: Canarias, La Rioja, and Navarra. Navarra became the first on June 29th, 2017, when Law No. 8 (2017) went into effect. Article 44 (1) and (2) state 1. "The Public Administrations of Navarra, within the scope of their powers, must adopt all the necessary measures so that the administrative documentation, in all the areas contemplated in this provincial law, is appropriate to the diversity of sexual or gender identity of LGTBI+ people and the heterogeneity of the family situation." 2. "Likewise, it must be guaranteed, in access to public services and benefits, that transsexual, transgender and intersex people can be named and treated according to the sex or gender with which they identify (be it man, woman or another )."
  • June 27
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    One of the first places in the U.S. to offer gender-neutral driver's licenses and ID cards.
  • June 26
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    On 31 March 2016, Federal District Court struck down Mississippi's ban on same-sex couple adoptions. On June 26, 2017, the United States Supreme Court reversed an Arkansas Supreme Court ruling that allowed a law listing parents by gender on birth certificates to stand. The new SCOTUS ruling allowed both same-sex spouses to be listed on birth certificates. These court rulings made adoption by same-sex couples legal in all 50 states. States can however require couples to be legally married before adopting.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Under federal law. No restrictions
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Any single adult can adopt, regardless of being LGBT. There is however no protections in place for discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Couples must be married to adopt jointly or for second parent adoption.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Under federal law since 2015. Single adoption, joint adoption by married couples and second parent adoption by married couples are legal. Two unmarried individuals cannot adopt jointly. North Carolina does not explicitly protect LGBT individuals from discrimination.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    under state and federal law. Any single person is allowed to adopt. To adopt as a couple, the individuals must however be married. Second parent adoption is also permitted. Agencies are however allowed to discriminate against LGBT couples on the basis of religion.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    New Hamsphire allows single adoption, joint adoption by married couples and second parent adoption by married couples.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Single adoption, joint adoption by married couples and second parent adoption by married couples are legal. Alabama however allows discrimination against LGBT people on the basis of religion, which means they can be refused adoption by some adoption agencies. They can also refuse to place a child with a next-of-kin family member if that family member happens to be LGBT.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Single adoption, joint adoption by married couples and second parent adoption by married couples are all legal. In some cases, adoption has also been approved for unmarried LGBT couples. However, Texas allows adoption agencies to discriminate against LGBT people on the basis of religion.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Any single person is permitted to adopt per statute. State law allows any married individual to adopt their spouse's child via stepparent adoption, even though some counties or judges might give LGBT prospective parents trouble. Married LGBT couples can adopt jointly.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Single-parent and joint-parent adoption is legal for any adult pursuant Official Code of Georgia §19-8-3. However, no appellate court case law or statutes dictate legality of same-sex second-parent adoption, which means ruling has varied by county and judge.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    On 31 March 2016, Federal District Court struck down Mississippi's ban on same-sex couple adoptions. On June 26, 2017, the United States Supreme Court reversed an Arkansas Supreme Court ruling that allowed a law listing parents by gender on birth certificates to stand. The new SCOTUS ruling allowed both same-sex spouses to be listed on birth certificates. These court rulings made adoption by same-sex couples legal in all 50 states. States can however require couples to be legally married before adopting.
  • June 23
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Nationwide.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Nationwide.
  • June 19
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Bill C-16 received Royal Ascent on 19 June 2017, revising the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code.
  • June 13
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Yukon residents can ask for an X on their birth certificate.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Since June 13th 2017, Yukon became the last province or territory to allow trans people to change their gender marker in Canada without undergoing surgeries.
  • June 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    1 year deferral
  • May 23
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Individuals can request an X gender marker on their documents.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Proof of surgery is no longer required. Instead, individuals are asked to provide a statement from a medical professional or a psychologist certifying that they underwent the appropriate treatment to change their legal gender.
  • May 19
    Homosexual activity becomes male illegal, female legal.
    5 to 10 years in prison. Not enforced. Decriminalization pending.
  • May 2
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-sex marriage became legal in Guernsey on May 2, 2017 with the passing of the Same-Sex Marriage (Guernsey) Law (2016).
  • May
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    According to Articles 46 and 323 of the Penal Code, the decree issued in 2017 outlawing discrimination, incitement to discrimination, and hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity is still in effect.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The Supreme Court ruled that same sex-marriage was allowed under the Marriage Act 1944 and the Human Rights Act.
  • May 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes ambiguous.
    No laws in place. Missing non binary options on documents.
  • April 28
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Blanket ban replaced by a 1 year deferral period.
  • April 26
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Since April 26th 2017, it is no longer required to undergo surgeries to change one's gender marker in New-Brunswick.
  • April 25
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Both are protected under the Yukon Human Rights Code as well as federally under bill C-16.
  • April 22
    Same-sex marriage becomes unrecognized.
    Punjab saw the first same sex marriage occur. Legalization pending. Currently under review of the supreme court in India.
  • April 18
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    Sexual orientation discrimination protections under human rights institute. Homosexuality is illegal.
  • April 6
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Ban Passed by Senate Committee of New Mexico.
  • April 3
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    The Population Management (Guernsey) Law of 2016 has allowed same-sex couples to adopt jointly since April 3, 2017.
  • April 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016 the Norwegian Directorate of Health decided that from April 2017 MSMs and men who had sold themselves sexually would be accepted as blood donors, provided that there had been at least 12 months since their last sexual contact.
  • April
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016 the Norwegian Directorate of Health decided that from April 2017 MSMs and men who had sold themselves sexually would be accepted as blood donors, provided that there had been at least 12 months since their last sexual contact.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016 the Norwegian Directorate of Health decided that from April 2017 MSMs and men who had sold themselves sexually would be accepted as blood donors, provided that there had been at least 12 months since their last sexual contact.
  • March 30
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The Marriage (Amendment) Bill 2017 introduced Civil Partnerships and modified the Marriage Ordinance 1996 to state that same-sex marriages are lawful and would be treated the same as marriage between a man and a woman.
  • March 6
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    1 to 9 years in prison and 10 to 30 whipping. Not enforced.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes no protections.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes no protections.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
    As well as heavy social attitudes towards lgbt.
  • March 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Finland voted to legalize full marriage for same-sex couples on November 28, 2014, but it went into effect on March 1, 2017. It was the last Nordic sovereign state to approve gay marriage.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In all of Finland.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Full adoption is now legal in Finland.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Finland voted to legalize full marriage for same-sex couples on November 28, 2014, but it went into effect on March 1, 2017. It was the last Nordic sovereign state to approve gay marriage.
  • February 25
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    Not criminalized anywhere in Central Midwest.
  • February 24
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    The Partnership Act was adopted on April 21, 2016. This law confers the rights to subsistence and maintenance, jointly owned property, occupancy, inheritance, and partner healthcare. The rights to joint adoption and in vitro fertilisation were not granted.
  • February 22
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    under the Honduras Criminal Code.
  • February 10
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    In 2017 it became legal to change gender, with or without surgery.
  • January 28
    Same-sex marriage becomes ambiguous.
    LGBT couple can marry in Aguascalientes after gaining protection.
  • January 23
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Protection under section VII under sex discrimination covers sexual orientation and gender identity. As well protections for state employees only.
  • January 15
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Also applies to women who have had sex with a man who has ever had sex with another man.
  • January 7
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Legislative Decree #1323 states that crimes motivated by intolerance or discrimination including sexual orientation and gender identity will receive stronger penalizations.
  • January 1
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes no censorship.
    No known legal barriers to LGBT freedom of expression.
  • (date unknown)
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal.
    In 2017, Solomon Islands adopted the ICD-10 classification, which contains codes for diagnosing transsexualism in adulthood and childhood, which authorize the initiation of medical transition.
  • Gender-affirming care becomes legal.
    In 2017, Lebanon adopted the ICD-10 classification, which contains codes for diagnosing transsexualism in adulthood and childhood, which authorize the initiation of medical transition.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes ambiguous.
    There is no legal gender recognition procedure. However, some exceptions have been documented in 2017 and 2022. In January 2017, the Eerste Kantongerecht (one of 3 Courts of First Instance in Suriname) granted a transgender woman the right to have her gender formally changed with the Central Bureau of Civil Affairs and ordered the registry to officially change her registration to reflect her amended status. The Association of Pentecostal Churches in Suriname (VVPES) and the Suriname Islamic Association (SIV), which had protested against and opposed the right to recognize a gender change, indicated they would "accept the verdict". In February 2017, the Central Bureau of Civil Affairs formally appealed the court ruling. In January 2022, the Suriname Court of Appeal ruled in favor and ordered the gender change on the birth certificate of the transgender woman who had undergone sex reassignment surgery in 2009.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Article 350(i) of the Penal Code (2017) establishes the aggravated punishment of imprisonment for ten to twenty years for rape committed because of the victim's sexual orientation.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).
    Court decision pending.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Changing legal gender is a provincial matter. Since 2017, all provinces and territories now allow their residents to change their official gender marker without surgery.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2017, Uruguay implemented a mental health law that covers the ban on conversion therapy.
  • January
    Same-sex adoption becomes second parent adoption only.
    In February of 2017, a lesbian woman successfully adopted her partner’s child. Since then, many other same-sex couples adopted their partners child. In 2020 a same-sex couple adopted a child. Theoretically, infertile couples may be able to jointly adopt non-biological but it is unclear if this applies to same-sex couples.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes varies by region.
    Federal: legal, surgery not required from 2013 under the Australian Government Guidelines on the Recognition of Sex and Gender. According to ILGA, at least three subnational jurisdictions require surgeries. By region: Most states don't allow you to change your gender marker more than once in a 12-month period. The High Court of Australia has ruled that gender reassignment surgery does not need to be comprehensive, just be socially identifiable as your preferred gender. • Any government department that operates at a federal level does not require surgery. • In NSW a gender marker change requires GRS, top surgery, or orchiectomy. • In Queensland gender change requires an application confirming surgery or proof of reassignment surgery. • In South Australia no surgery is required, only proof of psychological counseling. • In Tasmania no surgery is required, they may require proof of psychological counseling for persons under 18. • In Victoria no surgery is required, you just have to attest you are the gender you claim. • In Western Australia surgery is not required. • In Northern Territory clinical treatment, either: surgery, hormone therapy, or counselling is required.
  • (date unknown)
    Same-sex marriage becomes foreign same-sex marriages recognized only.
    Same sex marriage registered outside of Hong Kong is recognized for immigration purposes.
  • January 1
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Bill C-16 amended the Canadian Human Rights Act to add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    transgender people can change their name. sex change not legal.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    Nationwide.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    when Georgia lifted the ban.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    Only in Government Positions. under Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance 1991 it is interpreted to include sexual orientation.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    in 2017.
  • Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    Article 26 of the criminal code just got removed
  • Conversion therapy becomes ambiguous.
  • Conversion therapy becomes varies by region.
    On December 14, 2016, Pittsburgh became the first city in Pennsylvania to pass a bill that bans conversion therapy on minors. The law went into effect on January 1, 2017.
  • (date unknown)
    Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    According to ILGA, there are no laws concerning conversion therapy in Mauritius.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Section 50 of the Labour and Employment Relations Act (2017) prohibits discrimination at the workplace, including on the basis of sexual orientation as a protected attribute (under Section 50(2)(b)).
  • January 1
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    LGBT are Protected Here For housing and Employment.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    under the quebec charter of human rights.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    they just addmended the charter to include gender identity.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Nationwide.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under the Northwest Territories Act. as well under the admenment to the federal Criminal Code.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    No laws in place for same sex couples. Legalization pending.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    Under state law.
  • (date unknown)
    Equal age of consent becomes n/a.
    Homosexuality became illegal in Chad since 2017
  • January 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    Under American Samoa territory law. legal under federal law.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Same-sex adoption is legal as of 2017.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    just missing constitutional discrimination laws.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    LGB couples cannot adopt in Slovakia as of 2023. All single people regardless of sexual orientation can however
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act. Protection for gender identity and expression.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Under the Newfoundland and Labrador. Under Bill C-16. Protection for gender identity and expression.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    On November 24, 2015, the Vietnamese National Assembly voted overwhelmingly (282 from the 366 members of the National Assembly) in favour of legalizing the right to change an individual's legal gender. This law went into effect in 2017.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Change of name and gender legal since 2007

LGBT Organizations Founded in 2017

  • PFLAG - Fort Dodge FaviconPFLAG - Fort Dodge
    Iowa, United States
    PFLAG - Fort Dodge PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ persons, their families and friends through: support to cope with an adverse society, education to…
  • Chaplains on Call and Emergency Response, Inc FaviconChaplains on Call and Emergency Response, Inc
    Zimbabwe
    Chaplains on Call and Emergency Response, Inc is an international, non-profit, educational and religious organization that trains, maintains and dispatches highly skilled…
  • Out On The Shelves FaviconOut On The Shelves
    New Zealand
    InsideOUT works to give rainbow young people in Aotearoa New Zealand a sense of safety and belonging in their schools and communities. We are a national charity providing…
  • Union Nacional de Empresarios Tur FaviconUnion Nacional de Empresarios Tur
    Mexico
    Non profit organisation to promote LGBT tourism, no discrimination, equality, same rights in tourism industry, safe travel.
  • Safe Place Greece FaviconSafe Place Greece
    Greece
    Safe Place Greece
  • Beirut Pride FaviconBeirut Pride
    Lebanon
    Organizes pride events in Beirut.
  • VPride FaviconVPride
    Vanuatu
    VPride Foundation is a community based group that helps educate, advocate and mobilize LGBTIQ+ people and SWs in Vanuatu.
  • Jsme fér FaviconJsme fér
    Czech Republic
    Organisation "jsme fér" translated as "we are fair" supports the initiative of "manželství pro všechny" translated as marriage for everyone. They fight for the right to…
  • XY Spectrum FaviconXY Spectrum
    Serbia
    Organization for support and promotion of sex and gender variant persons.
  • Spektra FaviconSpektra
    Montenegro
    An organization that specifically deals with the protection and promotion of human rights of transgender, gender variant and intersex persons.
  • Asociación Civil Más Igualdad Perú FaviconAsociación Civil Más Igualdad Perú
    Global
    They are an intersectional feminist organization that works for the visibility and rights of LGBTIQ+ people in Peru.
  • EternamenteSOU FaviconEternamenteSOU
    Brazil
    EternamenteSOU is a non-profit organization that began its work in 2017 in the city of São Paulo with the aim of working for the benefit of LGBT elderly people. Through the…