Gay-friendly

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Gay-friendly or LGBTQ-friendly places, policies, people, or institutions are those that are open and welcoming to gay or LGBTQ people. They typically aim to create an environment that is supportive, respectful, and non-judgmental towards the LGBTQ community. The term "gay-friendly" originated in the late 20th century in North America, as a byproduct of a gradual implementation of gay rights, greater acceptance of LGBTQ people in society, and the recognition of LGBTQ people as a distinct consumer group for businesses.

Contents

Businesses

A shop in Amsterdam selling LGBTQ+ merchandise and goods Gaytoys-rotterdam-2019.jpg
A shop in Amsterdam selling LGBTQ+ merchandise and goods

Many businesses now identify as gay-friendly, allowing for a more diversified employee and customer base. The Human Rights Campaign works to achieve equality for gays, lesbians, and other marginalized minorities, and publishes a list of companies in relation to issues concerning LGBT people. Companies that are noted for gay-friendly work environments include Dell and Coca-Cola. Companies such as R Family Vacations, Manspray, Volkswagen, Ginch Gonch, and numerous others offer niche products and services for gay customers. Others, such as LOT Polish Airlines sends the message of gay-friendliness by offering travel to major gay destinations with a rainbow flag. [1] Studies have shown that LGBT communities tend to favor gay-friendly businesses, even if the cost of a particular product or service is higher. [2]

Religious groups

Portal of the Church of Pilgrims, in Washington, DC, USA, with an LGBT banner Gay friendly church.jpg
Portal of the Church of Pilgrims, in Washington, DC, USA, with an LGBT banner

Some Christian and Jewish religious denominations, as well as Christian churches and affirming Jewish synagogues, have LGBT-friendly programs. [3]

World

The Pew Research Center conducted a survey in 2019 to measure levels of acceptance of LGBTQ people around the globe. [4]

Country-specific percentage of people who say homosexuality should be accepted by society
RankCountryPercent
1Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 94%
2Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 92%
3Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 89%
4Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 86%
4Flag of France.svg  France 86%
4Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  UK 86%
7Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 85%
8Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 81%
9Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 76%
10Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 75%

Researchers at the Williams Institute at UCLA released a report in 2021 after analyzing findings from different surveys to develop their own LGBTQ Global Acceptance Index (GAI). [5]

Most gay-friendly countries
RankCountryGAI
1Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland 9.78
2Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 9.46
3Flag of Norway.svg  Norway 9.38
4Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 9.18
5Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 9.02
6Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 8.77
7Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark 8.69
8Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland 8.41
9Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Great Britain 8.34
10Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 8.23

The Spartacus International Gay Guide publishes the Gay Travel Index, a ranking of gay-friendly countries. Points are added to countries for anti-discrimination legislation, equal marriage, partnership and adoption laws, and LGBT marketing. Meanwhile, points are subtracted for anti-LGBT laws, HIV travel restrictions, religious influence; and prosecution, murders, and death sentences.

In 2024, the Spartacus Gay Travel Index featured a majority of Western European countries in the top 12 spots (Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland), rounded out by Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Uruguay. The bottom 4 places went to Afghanistan, Chechnya, Iran and Saudi Arabia. [6]

List of countries and regions by their Gay Travel Index (2024) [7]
RankCountryTotalAnti-Discrimination LegislationMarriage/Civil PartnershipAdoption AllowedTransgender RightsIntersex/3rd OptionEqual Age of Consent"Conversion Therapy"LGBT MarketingReligious InfluenceHIV Travel RestrictionsAnti-Gay LawsHomosexuality IllegalPride BannedCensorshipLocals HostileProsecutionMurdersDeath Sentences
1Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada [note 1] 12322210100000001000
1Flag of Malta.svg  Malta 1222232011000000–1000
1Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 12222310100000001000
1Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal 12322310100000000000
1Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 122223201100000–10000
6Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 11222210110–100001000
6Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland 113223–10110000000000
8Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark 10222310–100000001000
8Flag of Germany.svg  Germany [note 2] 1022212011000000−1000
8Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland 10222310−100000001000
8Flag of Norway.svg  Norway 102223–10100000001000
8Flag of Uruguay.svg  Uruguay 102223101000000000–10
13Flag of Austria.svg  Austria 9222210–110000000000
13Flag of Chile.svg  Chile 922231010–10000000–10
13Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia 9222310−1000000010−10
13Flag of Finland.svg  Finland 93223–10–110000000000
13Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland [note 3] 92223–10–110000001000
13Flag of Luxembourg.svg  Luxembourg 93223−10–110000000000
13Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 93222–10−110000001000
13Flag of the Republic of China.svg  Taiwan 93221−10110000000000
21Flag of Andorra.svg  Andorra 83223–10−100000000000
21Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 812231010−10000000−10
21Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium 82223−10–110000000000
21Flag of France.svg  France 82222−10100000000000
21Flag of Greenland.svg  Greenland 8122310−100000000000
21Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 8222210−100000000000
21Flag of France.svg  Réunion 82222−10100000000000
21Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom [note 4] 83222−10000000000000
29Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica 7222310−10−100000−1000
29Flag of French Polynesia.svg  French Polynesia 72222−1010−1000000000
29Flags of New Caledonia.svg  New Caledonia 72222−1010000000−1000
32Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 622230010−100000−10−20
32Flag of Cuba.svg  Cuba 63222−10−100−100000000
32Flag of Estonia.svg  Estonia 62222−10−100000000000
32Flag of France.svg  Guadeloupe 62222–1010−100000–1000
32Flag-of-Martinique.svg  Martinique 62222−1010−100000–1000
32Flag of Slovenia.svg  Slovenia 63222−10−10–1000000000
38Flag of Greece.svg  Greece 521021010−10000000–10
38Flag of Israel.svg  Israel [note 5] 52112–1010–1000000000
38Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 53221−10−1000000000–10
41Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 432120000–100000–10–20
41Flag of Puerto Rico.svg  Puerto Rico 412220010−100000–10–20
41Flag of the United States.svg  United States 412200001–10000000–10
44Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador 33202–1010−10000–1−10–10
44Flag of Gibraltar.svg  Gibraltar 3222–1−10−100000000000
44Flag of Guam.svg  Guam 31221−10−10–1000000000
44Flag of India.svg  India 321011000–100000–1000
48Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia 22121−10−10−100000−1000
49Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic 12101−10−10−1000000000
49Flag of Liechtenstein.svg  Liechtenstein 1112−1−10−10−1000001000
49Flag of Nepal.svg    Nepal 1300110–10−10−1000−1000
49Flag of San Marino.svg  San Marino 13110−10−10–100000−1000
49Flag of the United States Virgin Islands.svg  US Virgin Islands [note 6] 12220−10−10−100000−10−10
54Flag of Aruba.svg  Aruba 01100−10−110−100000000
54Flag of Bermuda.svg  Bermuda 0122−1−1−1−10000000−1000
54Flag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia 02111−10−10−100000−10−10
54Flag of Thailand.svg  Thailand 0200−1−10−110000000000
58Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg  Bosnia and Herzegovina [note 7] -12−101−10−10000000−1000
58Flag of Cyprus.svg  Cyprus -11100−1010–10−1000–1000
58Flag of Italy.svg  Italy -11101−10−10–100000–1000
58Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia -11101−10−1000−1000−1000
58Flag of Montenegro.svg  Montenegro -12101−10−10−10−1000−1000
58Flag of Vietnam.svg  Vietnam -10−100−10100000000000
64Flag of Albania.svg  Albania -22−10−1−1010−100000−1000
64Flag of Bhutan.svg  Bhutan -20−10000−100000000000
64Flag of Singapore.svg  Singapore -21−101−10100−1−100−10000
64Flag of Slovakia.svg  Slovakia -22000−10−1000–1000−1000
64Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea -20001−10−10000000−1000
64Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine -21−102−10−10–10–10000000
70Flag of Angola.svg  Angola -31−100−10−10−1000000000
70Flag of Antigua and Barbuda.svg  Antigua and Barbuda -3100–1−10−1000–10000000
70Flag of Belize.svg  Belize -33−10–1−10−10–10–10000000
70Flag of Curacao.svg  Curaçao -31000−10−11–10–1000−1000
70Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji -33–10–1−1000–10–1000–1000
70Flag of Japan.svg  Japan -30–101−10−1000–10000000
70Flag of Laos.svg  Laos -30−101−10–10000000−1000
70Flag of the Marshall Islands.svg  Marshall Islands -32−10–1−10−100–100000000
70Flag of Monaco.svg  Monaco -3010–1−10−10–1000000000
70Flag of Mongolia.svg  Mongolia -31−101–10–1000–1000−1000
70Flag of North Macedonia.svg  North Macedonia -32−101−10−10–10–1000−1000
70Flag of Romania.svg  Romania -32–101−10−10–10–1000–1000
70Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia -32−102−10−10−10−1000–1–100
70Flag of Sint Maarten.svg  Sint Maarten [note 8] -31000−10−10−10−10000000
84Flag of Barbados.svg  Barbados -4100−1−10−10−10−10000000
84Flag of Botswana.svg  Botswana [note 9] -41−100−10−10−100000−1000
84Flag of Cape Verde.svg  Cabo Verde -41−10−1−10−10–1000000000
84Flag of Cambodia.svg  Cambodia -4000−1−10−1000−10000000
84Flag of Kosovo.svg  Kosovo -43−10−1−10−10–200000–1000
84Flag of Lithuania.svg  Lithuania -42−1−12−10−10–10−100−1−1000
84Flag of Macau.svg  Macao -41−10–1−10−10000000−1000
84Flag of the Federated States of Micronesia.svg  Micronesia -42−10–1−10−10−100000–1000
84Flag of Saint Lucia.svg  Saint Lucia -41−10−1−10−1010−1−1000000
93Flag of the British Virgin Islands.svg  British Virgin Islands -53−10−1−10−10–20−1000−1000
93Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria -52−10−1−10−10–10−1000−1000
93Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China (incl. Hong Kong)-500−11−10−100000−1−10−100
93Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador -52–100−10−10−10000−1−10−10
93Flag of Hungary.svg  Hungary -521−1−1−10−1000–100−1−1−100
93Flag of Kazakhstan.svg  Kazakhstan -50−101−10−1000000−1−2000
93Flag of Lesotho.svg  Lesotho -50−1−10−10−1000−10000000
93Flag of Mauritius.svg  Mauritius [note 10] -51−10–1−10−10−10−10000000
93Flag of Moldova.svg  Moldova -52−100−10−10−10–100−1−1000
93Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique -51−1−1−1−10−1000000−10000
93Flag of Niger.svg  Niger -50−10−1−1−1−100000000000
93Flag of Panama.svg  Panama -50−1–11−10−1000–100−10000
93Flag of Peru.svg  Peru [note 11] -51−102−10−10−10−1000–10−20
93Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa -51−10–10010−20−1−100−1000
93Flag of Seychelles.svg  Seychelles [note 12] -51−10−1−10−10–100000–1000
93Flag of Suriname.svg  Suriname -51−100−1−1−10−100000−1000
109Flag of Armenia.svg  Armenia [note 13] -60−100−10−10−10−1000−1000
109Flag of Benin.svg  Benin -60−10−1−1–1−10000000−1000
109Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands -61−100−10−10−1−1−1000−1000
109Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia -62−101−10−10−20−100−1−10−10
109Flag of Guinea-Bissau.svg  Guinea-Bissau -60−10–1−10−10−100000−1000
109Flag of Mali.svg  Mali -60−10−1−10−1000000−1−1000
109Flag of Sao Tome and Principe.svg  São Tomé and Príncipe -60−10−1−10−10−100000–1000
109Flag of Sri Lanka.svg  Sri Lanka [note 14] -61−1−11−10−10−10−1−100−1000
109Flag of Vanuatu.svg  Vanuatu -60−10−1−10−10−100000−1000
118Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras [note 15] -72−10−1−10−10−10–1000−20−10
118Flag of Kiribati.svg  Kiribati -71−10−1−10−10−10−1−100−1000
118Flag of Kyrgyzstan.svg  Kyrgyzstan -70−101−10−10−10−100−1−2000
118Flag of Pakistan.svg  Pakistan -71−10210−10−20−1−10−1−1−1–1−1
118Flag of Palau.svg  Palau -70−10−1−10−100−1−1000−1000
118Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines [note 16] -70−10−1−10−10−10000−100−10
118Flag of Poland.svg  Poland -71−100–10−10−10−1000−2−100
118Flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.svg  Saint Kitts and Nevis -7000–1−10−10−1−1−1000−1000
118Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg  Trinidad and Tobago -70−10–1−10−10−100000−10–10
127Flag of Burkina Faso.svg  Burkina Faso -80−100−10−10−20−1000−2000
127Flag of Gabon.svg  Gabon -80−10−1−1−1−10−100000−2000
127Flag of Grenada.svg  Grenada -80−10−1−10−10−10−1−100−1000
127Flag of Lebanon.svg  Lebanon [note 17] -80−101−10−10−10–1–1−1−1−1000
127Flag of Namibia.svg  Namibia -80−10–1−10−10−10−1−100−1000
127Flag of Nicaragua.svg  Nicaragua -81−10−1−10−10−10−1000−20−10
127Flag of Paraguay.svg  Paraguay -80−10–1−1−110−10−100−1−10−10
127Flag of Tuvalu.svg  Tuvalu -81−10–1−10−10−1−1−1–100−1000
127Flag of Vatican City (2023-present).svg  Vatican City [note 18] -80−10–1−10−10−20−10000−100
127Flag of Venezuela.svg  Venezuela -81−100−10−10−1−10000−20−20
137Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain [note 19] -90−101−10−10−2−1000−1−2–100
137Flag of Bangladesh.svg  Bangladesh -90−10110−10−20−1−10−1–2–1–10
137Flag of Guatemala.svg  Guatemala -90−10−1−10−10−100000−20−20
137Flag of Guinea.svg  Guinea -90−10−1–10−10−10−1−100−1−100
137Flag of Tajikistan.svg  Tajikistan -90−101–10−10−20−100−1−2−100
137Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga -90−10−1−10−10−20−1−100−1000
143Flag of Azerbaijan.svg  Azerbaijan -100−10–1−10−10−10−10−10−1−200
143Flag of the Bahamas.svg  Bahamas -100−10−1−1−1−10−10–1000−20−10
143Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi -100−10−1−10−10−10−1−100−2−100
143Flag of the Central African Republic.svg  Central African Republic -100−10−1−10−10−20−100−1−2000
143Flag of the Comoros.svg  Comoros -100−10−1−10−10−20–1−100−2000
143Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg  Democratic Republic of the Congo -100−10−1−10−10−20–1000−2−100
143Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg  Equatorial Guinea -100−10−1−10−10−20000−1–2−100
143Flag of Guyana.svg  Guyana -100−10−1−10−10−20−1−100−10−10
143Flag of Haiti.svg  Haiti -100−10–1−10−10−20−1000−20−10
143Flag of Jordan.svg  Jordan -100−100−10−10–20000−1−2−1−10
143Flag of Kenya.svg  Kenya -100−1−1010−10−10−1−10−1−2−1−10
143Flag of Myanmar.svg  Myanmar -100−10−1−10−1000–1–10−1−1−1−10
143Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg  Papua New Guinea -100−10–1–10−10−20−1−100−2000
143Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Republic of the Congo -100−10−1−1−1−10−20−1000−2000
143Flag of Rwanda.svg  Rwanda -100−10–1−10−10−20−100−1−2000
143Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.svg  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines -100−10−1−10−10−1−1−1−100−10−10
143Flag of Sierra Leone.svg  Sierra Leone -100−1–1−1−10−10−10−1–100−2000
143Flag of Togo (3-2).svg  Togo -100−10−1−1000−10–1−10−1−2−100
143Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey [note 20] -100−101−10−10−1000−1−2−2−1−10
162Flag of Belarus.svg  Belarus -110−100−10−10−10−10−1−1−2−200
162Flag of Chad.svg  Chad -110−10−1−10−10−20–1−100−2−100
162Flag of Djibouti.svg  Djibouti [note 21] -110−1−1−1−10−10−20000−1−2−100
162Flag of Dominica.svg  Dominica -110−10−1−10−10−20–1−100−2−100
162Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg  Dominican Republic -110−10−1−10−10−2−1−1000−10−20
162Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia -110−10–1−10−10−20−1–100−2−100
162Flag of Liberia.svg  Liberia -110−10−1−10−10−20−1−100−2–100
162Flag of Madagascar.svg  Madagascar -110−1−1−1−1−1−10−100000−20−20
162Flag of Maldives.svg  Maldives -110−10−1−10−10−20−1−100−2–100
162Flag of North Korea.svg  North Korea -110−1−1−1−10−10−20−100−2−1000
162Flag of the Solomon Islands.svg  Solomon Islands -110−10−1−10−10−2−1−1−100−2000
162Flag of Uzbekistan.svg  Uzbekistan -110−101−10−10−20−1−10−2−2−100
174Flag of Algeria.svg  Algeria -120−10−1−10−10−20−1−10−2−1−100
174Flag of Eswatini.svg  Eswatini -120−100−10−10−20−1−10−1−20−20
174Flag of Ghana.svg  Ghana [note 22] -120−10−1−10−10−20−1−10−1−2−100
174Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg  Ivory Coast -120−1–1−1−1−1−10−20−100−1−2000
174Flag of Jamaica.svg  Jamaica -120−10−1−10−10−10−1−100−2−1−20
174Flag of Mauritania.svg  Mauritania -120−10−1−10−10−20−1−10−1−200−1
174Flag of Oman.svg  Oman -120−10−1–10−10−1−1−1–10−2−1–100
174Flag of Sudan.svg  Sudan -120−10−1−10−10−2−1–1–100−2−100
174Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia -120−10−1−10−10−20−1−10−1−2−100
174Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe -120−10−1−10−10−10−1−100−2−1−20
184Flag of Cameroon.svg  Cameroon -130−10−1−10−10−20−1−100−2−1−20
184Flag of Eritrea.svg  Eritrea -130−10−1−10−10−20−1−10−2−2–100
184Flag of Indonesia.svg  Indonesia -130−1−10−10−10−20−1−10−2−2–100
184Flag of Senegal.svg  Senegal -130−10−1−10−10−20−1−1−1−1−2–100
184Flag of Syria.svg  Syria -130−10–1−10−10−1−1−1–100−2−1−1−1
189Flag of Brunei.svg  Brunei -140−10–1−10−10−2−1−1−1−1−2−100−1
189Flag of Egypt.svg  Egypt -140−1−10−10−10−20−1−10−1−2−2–10
189Flag of Ethiopia.svg  Ethiopia -140−1−1−1−10−10−20−1−10−2−2−100
189Flag of Aceh, Indonesia.svg  Aceh (Indonesia)-140−10−1−10−10−20−1−10−2−2−10−1
189Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq [note 23] -140−10−1−10−10−2−1−100−2−2−1–10
189Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi -140−10−1−10−10−20−1−10−1−2–1–20
189Flag of Morocco.svg  Morocco -140−10−1−10−10−10–1−10−2−2−2−10
189Flag of South Sudan.svg  South Sudan -140−10−1−10−10−20–1−10−2−2−1−10
189Flag of Tunisia.svg  Tunisia -140−1−1−1−10−10−10−1−10−1−2−2−10
189Flag of Turkmenistan.svg  Turkmenistan -140−10−1−10−10−2−1−1−10−2−2−100
199Flag of Malaysia.svg  Malaysia -150−10−1−10−10−2−1−1−1−1−2−1−1−10
199Flag of Tanzania.svg  Tanzania -150−10−1−10−10−20−1−10−2−2−2–10
201Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait -160−1−1−1−10−10−2–1−1−10−2−2−200
201Flag of Libya.svg  Libya -160−10−1−10−10−20−1−1−1−1−2−1−2−1
201Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar -160−1−1−1−10−10−2–1−1−1−1−1−2−10−1
201Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates -160−10−1–10−10−2−1−1–10−2−2–1−1−1
205Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria [note 24] -170−10−1−10−10−10−1−1−1−2−2−20–3
205Flag of Russia.svg  Russia [note 25] -170−100−10−10−2–1−1−1−1−2−2−2−20
207Flag of Somalia.svg  Somalia [note 26] -180−10−1−10−10−20−1−100−2−1−2−5
207Flag of Uganda.svg  Uganda -180−10−1−10−10−20−1−1−1−2−2−1−1−3
209Flag of Yemen.svg  Yemen -190−1−1−1−10−10−2−1−1−10−2−2−2−2−1
210Flag of the Taliban.svg  Afghanistan -210−10−1−10−10−20−1−10−2−2−2–2−5
210Flag of the Chechen Republic.svg  Chechnya (Russia)-210−10−1−1000−20−1−1−1−2−2−2−2−5
210Flag of Iran.svg  Iran -210−1−10−10−10−20−1−10−2−2−2−2−5
210Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia -210−1−1–1−10−10−2–1−1−10−2−2−1−1−5

Not Included in Data

United States

Spartacus also publishes a Gay Travel Index for US states, listing the 50 states plus the District of Columbia with the same criteria as the country rankings. In 2024, the top spot went to New York while the bottom ten states were mainly the southern and the mountain states, with Oklahoma being the overall worst-ranked state for LGBT people. [6]

List of U.S. states by their Gay Travel Index (2024) [7]
RankStateTotalAnti-Discrimination LegislationTransgender RightsIntersex/3rd OptionHate Crime LawCensorship"Conversion Therapy"LGBT MarketingQueer InfrastructureGay and Trans Panic DefenceLocals Hostile
1Flag of New York.svg  New York 142312111201
2Flag of California.svg  California 132212111201
2Flag of Colorado.svg  Colorado 132312111101
2Flag of Nevada.svg  Nevada 132212111201
2Flag of Oregon.svg  Oregon 132312111101
6Flag of Washington.svg  Washington 122312011101
6Flag of Washington, D.C.svg  District of Columbia 122212111101
8Flag of Illinois.svg  Illinois 112212111100
8Flag of Massachusetts.svg  Massachusetts 1123120111−11
8Flag of New Jersey.svg  New Jersey 112312011001
8Flag of New Mexico.svg  New Mexico 113312010100
12Flag of Connecticut.svg  Connecticut 102212010101
12Flag of Maryland.svg  Maryland 102212010101
12Flag of Rhode Island.svg  Rhode Island 102212110001
15Flag of Hawaii.svg  Hawaii 92212010100
15Flag of Maine.svg  Maine 92212010001
15Flag of Vermont.svg  Vermont 923120100−11
15Flag of Virginia.svg  Virginia 92212−111100
19Flag of Minnesota.svg  Minnesota 832120100−10
20Flag of Michigan.svg  Michigan 722−120111–10
20Flag of New Hampshire.svg  New Hampshire 721120100−11
20Flag of Pennsylvania.svg  Pennsylvania 722100011–11
23Flag of Delaware.svg  Delaware 622−120100−11
23Flag of Utah.svg  Utah 620120101−10
25Flag of Ohio.svg  Ohio 522100−101–11
26Flag of Arizona.svg  Arizona 421−110011−10
27Flag of Wisconsin.svg  Wisconsin 321−110000−11
28Flag of Georgia (U.S. state).svg  Georgia 120−110−111−1−1
29Flag of Alaska.svg  Alaska 012−100−100−10
29Flag of Arkansas.svg  Arkansas 010100−110−1−1
29Flag of Idaho.svg  Idaho 010100−100−10
29Flag of Indiana.svg  Indiana 01011−1−100−10
29Flag of Louisiana.svg  Louisiana 010–11−1−111−10
29Flag of Missouri.svg  Missouri 010−120−101–1−1
29Flag of South Carolina.svg  South Carolina 012−100−100–10
36Flag of Iowa.svg  Iowa -120−11−1−100−10
36Flag of Kansas.svg  Kansas -12−1−110−100−10
36Flag of Kentucky.svg  Kentucky -110−110−110−1−1
36Flag of Nebraska.svg  Nebraska -110−110−100−10
36Flag of Texas.svg  Texas -110−11−1−111−1−1
36Flag of Wyoming.svg  Wyoming -111−100−100−10
42Flag of Florida.svg  Florida [note 27] -21−101−2−111–1−1
42Flag of North Carolina.svg  North Carolina -210−10−1000−10
42Flag of North Dakota.svg  North Dakota -21−1−100000−10
42Flag of South Dakota.svg  South Dakota -210−100−100−10
46Flag of West Virginia.svg  West Virginia -310−100−100−1−1
47Flag of Alabama.svg  Alabama -410−10−1−100−1−1
47Flag of Mississippi.svg  Mississippi -410−10−1−100−1−1
47Flag of Tennessee.svg  Tennessee -41–1−10−1−101−1−1
50Flag of Montana.svg  Montana -51−1−10−1−100−1−1
51Flag of Oklahoma.svg  Oklahoma -61−1−10−2−100−1−1

Notes

  1. In Canada the adoption laws vary per province. Same-sex-adoption is however possible countrywide.
  2. In Germany, due to federal government system, there are varying regulations regarding arrival/residence HIV. For example, in Bavaria someone who is HIV-positive can be denied entry. The Federal Constitutional Court has stipulated in several renditions of judgment that the politicians implement the same rights for gay men and lesbians which apply to heterosexuals.
  3. The Employment Equality Act allows religious-run workplaces exemption from its anti-discrimination provisions to protect their ethos.
  4. In Northern Ireland the legal situation for same-sex adoption is unclear.
  5. In Israel a civil marriage for both homosexual and heterosexual couples is not possible as marriage can only be performed by a Rabbi. This problem does not only apply to gays and lesbians but also heterosexuals belonging to different religious affiliations. There are limited anti-discrimination laws (exception: certain religious groups).
  6. The United States Virgin Islands have the same legal status as Puerto Rico regarding the USA. There is also a ban on hate crimes. After the Supreme Court decided in favor of same-sex marriage in the US, there are plans to implement same-sex marriage in Puerto Rico as well.
  7. Bosnia and Herzegovina passed an unclear anti-discrimination law in 2009 in which a ban on discrimination against "sexual expression" is mentioned. There is a reference that "sexual identity" is not meant in this case. It is obvious that an attempt to adhere to the minimum requirements from the EU has been made, to be accepted into the EU.
  8. As an overseas territory of the Netherlands Sint Maarten recognizes same-sex marriages which are performed in the Netherlands. In St. Maarten itself gay marriage is still not possible, but changes can soon follow. There are no adoption laws.
  9. In Botswana homosexuality is practically illegally on the basis of the ban on "unnatural act", but in the labor law there is still an explicit prohibition of discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation.
  10. In Mauritius, the sodomy law tends to find application with the heterosexual population. The Equal Opportunities Act protects homosexuals against discrimination at work. It is therefore questionable whether homosexuality is classified as illegal or not.
  11. Consensual homosexual acts in Peru between adults are legal. An exception applies for members of the military and police, who can be prosecuted with a prison sentence ranging from 60 days to 20 years or suspension from duty.
  12. In May 2016 the Parliament of Seychelles decided to make homosexuality legal.
  13. Armenia has received many reports of illegal violence from police against homosexuals.
  14. At the request of the UNHCR Sri Lanka has announced that discrimination of homosexuals is constitutionally forbidden. It was further stressed that the anti-sodomy law is not aimed against homosexuals, but applies for all to protect public morals.
  15. In Honduras an anti-discrimination law has recently been passed, but in practice it is ignored.
  16. There are regional differences in the laws relating to homosexuals. In addition, the local religion is just as crucial, whether a law is implemented or not.
  17. There are reports of a different judicial interpretations of the law on "sex against nature".
  18. The Vatican City adheres to Italian law, but restrictions are possible if the ecclesiastical law contradicts Italian law. Therefore, there are conflicting opinions that homosexuality is not illegal or just not happily seen, but tolerated.
  19. In Bahrain although the paragraph referring to sodomy was abolished in 1976 from the local legal code, gay men can still be punished with imprisonment according to the laws regarding "unmoral" behavior.
  20. Police stopped violently the Gay Pride on 29th June, 2015. This can be considered a de facto ban on the Pride.
  21. The Shariah-law in Djibouti is often superior to the constitutional laws, so it could be expected that homosexuality is punishable.
  22. In Ghana there is a ban on unnatural sex. The government recognizes in this a clear ban on homosexuality.
  23. Homosexuality in Iraq is formally legal, but police and military track down homosexuals, and reports of murder and rape exist.
  24. In Nigeria the death penalty only applies for homosexuals according to the Shariah laws and therefore relates only to Muslims in the north of Nigeria.
  25. The LGBT rights movement was declared an 'extremist organization' by authorities in Russia in 2023.
  26. Shariah laws applies in Somalia since 2012. There is however contradictory information, since, on the other hand the maximum penalty is up to 3 years in prison, nevertheless in 2013 a homosexual was stoned to death after a judgment.
  27. In 2015 Florida explicitly lifted the adoption ban for homosexuals after federal judges ruled it unconstitutional in 2010.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in the Netherlands</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in the Netherlands are among the most advanced in the world. Same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1811 after France invaded the country and installed the Napoleonic Code, erasing any remaining sodomy laws. No more sodomy laws were enacted after the country received independence. An age of consent equal with that of heterosexual activity was put in place in 1971. During the late 20th century, awareness surrounding homosexuality grew and society became more tolerant of gay and bisexual people. The changes eventually led to homosexuality's declassification as a mental illness in 1973 and a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation in the military. The Equal Treatment Act 1994 bans discrimination on account of sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas. This was extended in 2019 to include discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. After the country began granting same-sex couples registered partnerships benefits in 1998, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. Same-sex joint and stepchild adoption are also permitted, and lesbian couples can access IVF as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Norway</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Norway have the same legal rights as non-LGBTQ people. In 1981, Norway became one of the first countries in the world to enact an anti-discrimination law explicitly including sexual orientation. Same-sex marriage, adoption, and assisted insemination treatments for lesbian couples have been legal since 2009. In 2016, Norway became the fourth country in Europe to pass a law allowing the change of legal sex for transgender people based on self-determination. On 1 January 2024, conversion therapy became legally banned within Norway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Asia</span>

Laws governing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights are complex in Asia, and acceptance of LGBTQ persons is generally low. Same-sex sexual activity is outlawed in at least twenty Asian countries. In Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, homosexual activity results in death penalty. In addition, LGBT people also face extrajudicial executions from non-state actors such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. While egalitarian relationships have become more frequent in recent years, they remain rare.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Africa</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in Africa are generally poor in comparison to the Americas, Western Europe and Oceania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Mauritius</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in Mauritius have expanded in the 21st century, although LGBTQ Mauritians may still face legal difficulties not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Prior to 2023, sodomy was criminalized by Section 250 of the Criminal Code. However, Mauritius fully decriminalized homosexuality in October 2023. Although same-sex marriage is not recognized in Mauritius, LGBTQ people are broadly protected from discrimination in areas such as employment and the provision of goods and services, making it one of the few African countries to have such protections for LGBTQ people. The Constitution of Mauritius guarantees the right of individuals to a private life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Louisiana</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Louisiana may face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Louisiana as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas. Same-sex marriage has been recognized in the state since June 2015 as a result of the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. New Orleans, the state's largest city, is regarded as a hotspot for the LGBTQ community.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in New Jersey</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of New Jersey have the same legal rights as non-LGBTQ people. LGBT individuals in New Jersey enjoy strong protections from discrimination, and have had the same marriage rights as heterosexual people since October 21, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Hawaii</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Hawaii enjoy the same rights as non-LGBTQ people. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1973; Hawaii being one of the first six states to legalize it. In 1993, a ruling by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court made Hawaii the first state to consider legalizing same-sex marriage. Following the approval of the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act in November 2013, same-sex couples have been allowed to marry on the islands. Additionally, Hawaii law prohibits discrimination on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity, and the use of conversion therapy on minors has been banned since July 2018. Gay and lesbian couples enjoy the same rights, benefits and treatment as opposite-sex couples, including the right to marry and adopt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Colorado</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Colorado enjoy the same rights as non-LGBTQ people. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Colorado since 1972. Same-sex marriage has been recognized since October 2014, and the state enacted civil unions in 2013, which provide some of the rights and benefits of marriage. State law also prohibits discrimination on account of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations and the use of conversion therapy on minors. In July 2020, Colorado became the 11th US state to abolish the gay panic defense.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Arizona</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Arizona may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Arizona, and same-sex couples are able to marry and adopt. Nevertheless, the state provides only limited protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Several cities, including Phoenix and Tucson, have enacted ordinances to protect LGBTQ people from unfair discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in New Mexico</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of New Mexico enjoy the same rights as non-LGBTQ people. New Mexico has seen prominent advances in gay and lesbian rights in recent decades. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1975. Same-sex marriage is legal statewide in New Mexico, as is adoption and access to fertility treatments for lesbian couples. Same-sex couples have had the same rights as heterosexual married couples since 2013. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned statewide in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations. Additionally, conversion therapy on minors is prohibited in the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in North Dakota</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of North Dakota may face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in North Dakota, and same-sex couples and families headed by same-sex couples are eligible for all of the protections available to opposite-sex married couples; same-sex marriage has been legal since June 2015 as a result of Obergefell v. Hodges. State statutes do not address discrimination on account of sexual orientation or gender identity; however, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County established that employment discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal under federal law.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Nebraska</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Nebraska may face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Nebraska, and same-sex marriage has been recognized since June 2015 as a result of Obergefell v. Hodges. The state prohibits discrimination on account of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and housing following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County and a subsequent decision of the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission. In addition, the state's largest city, Omaha, has enacted protections in public accommodations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Idaho</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Idaho face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ people. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Idaho, and same-sex marriage has been legal in the state since October 2014. State statutes do not address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; however, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County established that employment discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal under federal law. A number of cities and counties provide further protections, namely in housing and public accommodations. A 2019 Public Religion Research Institute opinion poll showed that 71% of Idahoans supported anti-discrimination legislation protecting LGBTQ people, and a 2016 survey by the same pollster found majority support for same-sex marriage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Alaska</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights in the U.S. state of Alaska have evolved significantly over the years. Since 1980, same-sex sexual conduct has been allowed, and same-sex couples can marry since October 2014. The state offers few legal protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, leaving LGBTQ people vulnerable to discrimination in housing and public accommodations; however, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County established that employment discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal under federal law. In addition, four Alaskan cities, Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan, representing about 46% of the state population, have passed discrimination protections for housing and public accommodations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Oklahoma</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Oklahoma face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Oklahoma as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas, although the state legislature has not repealed its sodomy laws. Both same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples have been permitted since October 2014. State statutes do not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; however, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County established that employment discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal. This practice may still continue, as Oklahoma is an at-will employment state and it is still legal to fire an employee without requiring the employer to disclose any reason.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Mississippi</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Mississippi face legal challenges and discrimination not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. LGBT rights in Mississippi are limited in comparison to other states. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Mississippi as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas. Same-sex marriage has been recognized since June 2015 in accordance with the Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. State statutes do not address discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity; however, the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County established that employment discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal under federal law. The state capital Jackson and a number of other cities provide protections in housing and public accommodations as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Jersey</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) rights in the British Crown dependency of Jersey have evolved significantly since the early 1990s. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in 1990. Since then, LGBTQ people have been given many more rights equal to that of heterosexuals, such as an equal age of consent (2006), the right to change legal gender for transgender people (2010), the right to enter into civil partnerships (2012), the right to adopt children (2012) and very broad anti-discrimination and legal protections on the basis of "sexual orientation, gender reassignment and intersex status" (2015). Jersey is the only British territory that explicitly includes "intersex status" within anti-discrimination laws. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Jersey since 1 July 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outline of LGBTQ topics</span>

The following outline offers an overview and guide to LGBTQ topics:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Bonaire</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in Bonaire are very progressive by Caribbean standards. Bonaire forms part of the Caribbean Netherlands and is a special municipality of the Netherlands. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Bonaire, with same-sex marriage and adoption being legal since 2012. In addition, discrimination on the basis of "heterosexual and homosexual orientation" is outlawed.

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