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2016 in LGBT Rights

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In 2016, there were 152 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 206 changes made and 270 in the following year. A total of 1742 legal changes were made in the 2010s.

  • December 28
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    In 2016, the UAE amended its federal medical liability law to permit sex reassignment surgery, but only in certain circumstances. The law specifies that these procedures should only be permitted for intersex individuals and not for purely psychiatric ones. The law also states that surgeons who operate on people who don't fit the requirements set forth by the same statute would be held criminally liable.
  • December 15
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Civil Marriage Amendment Act 2016
  • December 9
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Law 4443/2016 offered protection against discrimination only in the work and employment sectors.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Law 4443/2016 includes housing on the list of services that discrimination is prohibited. Although not mentioned directly, the law, later on, explains what direct discrimination can be.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In December 9, 2016 the Hellenic Parliament passed the law 4443/2016, which added as 'suspicious' criteria of discrimination "color", "ethnic origin", "pedigree", "chronic disease", "marital status", "social status", "gender identity" and "gender characteristics", while the term “genetic orientation”, which was used in law 3304/2005, was corrected to sexual orientation. The concept of multiple discrimination was also standardized
  • December 6
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Anyone who tries to "change, repress or eliminate a person's sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression" will be fined up to 10,000 euros or even jailed for up to a year.
  • December 5
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2016, Campeche added gender identity as a protected characteristic from discrimination including in housing.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2016, Campeche added gender identity as a protected characteristic from discrimination including in employment.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2016, Campeche added gender identity as a protected characteristic in its anti-discrimination law.
  • November 16
    Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    In 2016, legal gender recognition was suspended in Hungary without any reason given.
  • November 3
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Connecticut has conversion therapy fully banned since a 2016 court decision.
  • November 2
    LGBT discrimination becomes no protections.
    Banned as Hate Speech law but mostly not enforced. In 15 November 2022 Bullying children in schools is prohibited. Although the law does not specify any specifics, it is likely to include sexual orientation and identity, but discrimination of such matter still exists.
  • October 31
    Same-sex adoption becomes single only.
    No restrictions. No laws in place for same sex couples. Legalization pending.
  • October 21
    Right to change legal gender becomes ambiguous.
    In 2016, the Constitutional Court issued a ruling (No. 6040-2015-PA/TC) establishing that name and gender change claims be resolved by civil courts in summary proceedings, without treating trans identity as a pathology or illness. However, the court did not define requirements or procedures. It is reported that the process is very difficult and costly both in time needed and the burden of paying for several lawyers to navigate complicated judicial procedures. Even when the judicial outcome may be favorable to the plaintiffs, it has been reported that the National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (RENIEC) almost systematically files appeals to prevent gender marker changes. In 2023, the entity responded that the Civil Code allows it to file appeals to reevaluate the grounds for a decision. “One of the grounds for appeal is when it is considered that the name and/or sex change ordered by the trial judge is not based on justified reasons, as required by Article 29 of the Civil Code, or when the right to reasoned judicial decisions has been violated,” they added. In 2020, a transgender woman obtained a favorable ruling to change the sex assigned on her ID. The entity had five days to appeal, but, in the midst of Christmas celebrations, it did not do so. With this, Dania became the first trans woman to successfully change her assigned sex without undergoing genital reassignment surgery, although she was asked for psychological certificates to prove that she was trans. Law 32,331 that Strengthens the Right to Sexual indemnity of Children and Adolescents was passed in May 2025 and establishes in its Article 5.1 the prohibition of entering and using of bathrooms of public use to every person whose biological sex does not coincide with the sex for which the aforementioned service has been allocated.
  • September 26
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Since 2016, same-sex couples can adopt in Campeche.
  • September 16
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Following the amendment in the Queensland Criminal Code, the age of consent is now equal across all states and territories of Australia.
  • September 14
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Under federal law.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In July 2016, the Bosnian Parliament adopted a bill amending Anti-Discrimination Law to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    After the 2016 amendment to the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination, the LGBT population became protected on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics in the field of Housing, among other areas.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    After the 2016 amendment to the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination, the LGBT population became protected on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics in the field of Employment, among other areas.
  • September 10
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    For roughly a year, all four constituent countries used a 1 year deferral period for MSMs donating blood.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Northern Ireland did not remove their lifetime deferral like the rest of the UK until 5 years later in 2016. The lifetime deferral was replaced with a one-year deferral.
  • September 7
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Bill outlawing conversion therapy on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity just got signed by the governor.
  • September 6
    Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    illegal completely
  • Conversion therapy becomes ambiguous.
    Not legal but unenforced.
  • September
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes ambiguous.
    In 2016, a judge changed Sara Kelly Keenan's legal gender from female to non-binary. However, it is unclear whether this option was available to anyone who desired it or only in specific cases, such as Keenan's. Since Sara Kelly Keenan is intersex, it is also unclear whether only intersex individuals could be granted this change.
  • September 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Adoption by same-sex couples legal since 1 September 2016 under the Adoption Amendment (Adoption by Same-Sex Couples) Act 2015.
  • August 23
    Intersex infant surgery becomes not banned.
    In 2016, Circular No. 18 was replaced by Circular No. 7. This allowed for surgeries to be performed on intersex youth again.
  • August 11
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes imprisonment as punishment.
    Section 34 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (2016) empowers the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to remove or block content if deemed necessary for the "glory of Islam, public order, decency, or morality." However, prior to this law, the government had already been censoring LGB-related content online and in the media. Punishment for spreading this type of content, looking at it, if you gain access to banned content, etc, is 3 or more months in jail.
  • August 10
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The age of consent was equalized when the Supreme Court struck down the sodomy law and granted non-discrimination rights in the constituion under grounds of sexual orientation for LGBT individuals.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    On August 10th 2016, after 6 years of pending, the Belizean Supreme Court ruled in favor of Caleb Orosco in the landmark General case Orozco v. Attorney. The court struck down Section 53 of the Belize Penal Code which criminalized sodomy. This emphasized the rights of privacy, equality and dignity which Belizeans possess, in the process, also expanding the definition of sex in the constitution to include sexual orientation. It was the last sodomy law in Central America to be struck down.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Some counties and towns in WV have anti-discriminatory laws, but not the entire state.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes ambiguous.
    Only city discrimination protections in Omaha. As well sexual orientation and gender identity under Federal hate crime law. Sexual orientation under Nebraska Hate crime law. Full state discrimination protections pending statewide.
  • August 8
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.
    Under Pennsylvania’s new policy, which is similar to the process for updating gender markers on US passports, proof of sex reassignment surgery is no longer a requirement in changing one’s gender on their birth certificate. Individuals with a Pennsylvania birth certificate can update the gender by having their physician submit a letter stating that they have had appropriate clinical treatment for gender transition. Information about specific treatment is not required, but it can include counseling related to gender identity or living in accordance with their gender identity.
  • August 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    On 25 November 2015, a law was proposed that would allow transgender people to change their legal name and sex. On 19 May 2016, the Chamber of Deputies passed the Gender Identity Law (Spanish: Ley de Identidad de Género). One day later, the Chamber of Senators passed the measure by simple majority votes. On 21 May 2016, the legislation was signed into law by Vice President Álvaro García Linera, and it took effect on 1 August 2016. In October 2016, the Bolivian Congress debated whether to repeal it. The law allows individuals over 18 to legally change their name, sex and photography on legal documents. A psychological test (not exactly a diagnosis) proving that the person knows and voluntarily assumes the change of identity is required, but sex reassignment surgery is not. The process is confidential and must be carried out before the Civil Registry Service. The processing of the new documentation will take 15 days. The change of name and sex will be reversible once, after which they cannot modify these data again.
  • July 31
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    it is one of the many states that have banned conversion therapy.
  • July 30
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Discrimination protection for state employees. as well complete city protections in 4 cities. As well in 1 county. Federal sex discrimination protection under section VII. Sexual orientation and gender identity under federal hate crime law.
  • July 25
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    BC Legislature passed a bill adding gender identity to protected class in the BC Human Rights Code
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    BC Legislature passed a bill to include gender identity in the protected class for BC Human Rights Code
  • July 23
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Under supreme court ruling.
  • July 22
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Legalised by the Marriage and Civil Partnership Act 2016.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Article 364(2) of the Penal Code (2022) bans discrimination in employment against any person on the basis of their sexual orientation. There is no explicit legal protection against discrimination based on gender identity. Law 1/2016 on Personal Data Protection establishes in its articles 10 and 41 the protection of personal data related to "sexual life" that implies discrimination.
  • July 10
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016, the complete ban on blood donations from MSMs was replaced with a 1-year deferral period in Guadeloupe.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016, the complete ban on blood donations from MSMs was replaced with a 1-year deferral period in Martinique.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016, the complete ban on blood donations from MSMs was replaced with a 1-year deferral period in French Guiana.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016, the complete ban on blood donations from MSMs was replaced with a 1-year deferral period in New Caledonia.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016, the complete ban on blood donations from MSMs was replaced with a 1-year deferral period in Reunion.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    In 2016, the complete ban on blood donations from MSMs was replaced with a 1-year deferral period in Mayotte.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Proposed in 2015, the indefinite deferral was replaced by a 1 year deferral in 2016.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Legalization pending.
  • July 5
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Same-sex adoption is legal in Morelos since 2016 under its equal marriage law.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    In 2016, Morelos began recognising marriage for same-sex couples.
  • July 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Under Norway rules.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Under Norway rules.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Surgery is no longer required as of July 1st, 2016.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    On March 17, 2016, the Vermont Senate unanimously approved S.132.
  • June 29
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The age of consent in Mozambique is 18 regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
  • June 22
    Same-sex adoption becomes second parent adoption only.
    On June 22, 2016 the Supreme Court of Cassation stated that same sex couples in a civil union should be able to adopt their partner’s child for the child’s best interest. Same-sex couples can also apply for foster care since no law prohibits it.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes second parent adoption only.
    On June 22, 2016 the Court of Cassation stated that same sex couples in a civil union should be able to adopt their partner’s child for the child’s best interest. Same-sex couples can also apply for foster care since no law prohibits it.
  • June 20
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following the Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following the Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Health Canada approved Canadian Blood Services’ proposal to reduce the blood donation ineligibility period for men who have sex with men from five years to one year.
  • June 17
    Conversion therapy becomes ambiguous.
    In 2016, the National Council stated that conversion therapy and similar practices would go against the "loi sur les professions de la psychologie" (Psychological Professions Act) and should therefore be banned however the enforcement of this is seemingly non-existent.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes varies by region.
    Many U.S. jurisdictions require gender-affirming surgery before a person's legal sex can be changed. However, a health professional's certification may be necessary. It is essential to consult the specific laws and guidelines of your state for accurate information on the legal requirements for changing gender markers and identity documents.
  • June 16
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.
    Surgery is not required to legally change your gender in Sri Lanka. However, expert testimony/diagnoses is required.
  • June 12
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Same-sex adoption is legal in Colima since 2016.
  • June 10
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    The Leadership Code Act 2016, which was passed in June 2016, states that a "leader" must not "discriminate between persons participating in or seeking to participate in Government on account of their age, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, place of origin or political beliefs or opinions". The term "leader" includes the office of president, speaker and deputy speaker of parliament, cabinet minister, member of parliament, judicial officers, ambassadors, electoral commissioners, commissioner of police, chief justice, etc.
  • June 7
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    In 2016, Seychelles decriminalised male homosexuality with an equal age of consent to heterosexuality.
  • Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    An amendment to Seychelles’ Penal Code in 2016 decriminalized same-sex relations between men.
  • June 3
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    In May 2016, the parliament enacted the "Crimes Act 2016" which does not contain provisions criminalizing same-sex sexual activity
  • June 1
    Conversion therapy becomes varies by region.
    From June 1st 2016, Murcia banned conversion therapy, becoming the first Spanish subregion to do so, yet no national bans were in place.
  • May 30
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    In 2016, Ceara passed its state education plan that prohibits “the use of gender ideology in state education. under Law 16,025.
  • May 26
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    The Danish government has removed any medical requirements for changing one's gender legally in 2014. However, this would not take effect in Greenland until 2016.
  • May 24
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    Article 1 of the Protection Against Discrimination Act adopted on April 21, 2016, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression in public and private spheres concerning all activities in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil and other fields.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Article 2 of the Protection against Discrimination Act from 2016 bans discrimination in Housing. Discrimination is prohibited on basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression among others.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Article 2 of the Protection against Discrimination Act from 2016 bans labour discrimination. Discrimination is prohibited on basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression among others.
  • May 20
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-Sex Marriage became legal in Campeche on May 20,2016 after a vote of 34-1
  • May 19
    Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    Sonora reverted back to the Family Code of 2007 which defined a marriage as between a man and a woman, effectively banning same-sex marriage.
  • May 18
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Same-sex adoption has been legal in Michoacán since 2016.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Approved by the Congress of the State of Michoacán, with 26 votes in favor, no opposition and 7 abstentions on May 18, 2016.
  • May 17
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    The Law on the Protection of Children from Information Harmful to their Health and Development (2016) which came into effect in July 2017, prohibits the dissemination of information that “discredits the institution of family and marriage”. In 2020, the Ministry of Health endorsed a proposal to introduce administrative and criminal liability for the dissemination of information that "discredits the institution of family and marriage".
  • Equal age of consent becomes unequal.
    Age of consent is not equal, at 13 for heterosexuals and 21 for homosexuals.
  • May 12
    Conversion therapy becomes sexual orientation only.
    Under Nauru's Mentally Disordered Persons Act (2016), a person cannot be deemed mentally disordered for expressing or failing to express a sexual preference or orientation, which means that health professionals cannot practice conversion therapy.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-Sex Marriage was legal in Sonora for 6 days before the governor announced to keep the policy before which was to get a court order.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Same-Sex Marriage became legal in Jalisco on May 12,2016 after The Mexican Supreme Court legalized it in the state
  • May 11
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    The law on same sex civil partnerships was adopted nationwide on May 11 2016. The law recognizes same-sex couples as a family and they became equal to married couples in everything except in the adoption of children. However a court can still allow second parent adoption.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    Italy's parliament has backed same-sex civil unions. MPs in the lower house voted 369-193 for the government, ensuring that the civil unions bill will become law. Civil unions gave gay couples all the rights and duties of marriage except joint adoption. Trentino Alto Adige will experience the same situation
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    civil unions with all the rights of marriage exept adoption
  • Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    The law on same sex civil partnerships was adopted on May 11, 2016. The law recognizes same-sex couples as a family and gives them the same rights as marriage, with the exception of joint adoption. However a court can still allow second parent adoption.
  • May 5
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    On May 5th, 2016, the Congress of Colima unilaterally passed a law allowing for same-sex marriage.
  • Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    In November 2015 the state assembly unanimously passed the "Escola Livre" bill which prevented the so-called "indoctrination" of students. The program went into place on May 5th of the following year.
  • April 28
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    "The judges affirmed by a majority that marriage between people of the same sex does not violate the constitutional order," judge Maria Victoria Calle said.
  • April 20
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2016, Piura passed Regional Ordinance 351, which prohibited discrimination in housing on the basis of sexual orientation. However, gender identity would not be protected until the next year.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    In 2016, Piura passed Regional Ordinance 351, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. However, gender identity would not be protected until the next year.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    In 2016, Piura passed Regional Ordinance 351, which prohibited discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation. However, gender identity would not be protected until the next year.
  • April 13
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Since April 13th 2016, it is no longer necessary to have undergone surgeries to be able to change one's gender marker in PEI.
  • April 12
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Since April 12th 2016, it is no longer required in Newfoundland and Labrador to undergo surgeries to change one's gender marker.
  • April 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    On April 1st, 2016, the Marriage Act came into effect after being unanimously voted in favor of the previous year.
  • March 31
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Federal Judge ruled that the ban on same sex couple adopting was unconstitutional
  • March 27
    Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    Same-sex marriage is constitutionally banned in the Central African Republic. Article 7 of the 2016 Constitution states that "Marriage is the union between a man and a woman."
  • March 23
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes not legally recognized.
    Since 2016, there is no legal recognition provided to intersex or nonbinary people in Mayotte, as is the case in the rest of France.
  • Censorship of LGBT issues becomes varies by region.
    In 2016, the city of Palmas passed a law banning the teaching of “gender ideology” in schools. In 2020, the Supreme Court struck the law down.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    illegal under regional law
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes not legally recognized.
    In 2016, France revoked legal recognition for intersex people. This also applies in New Caledonia.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes not legally recognized.
    In 2016, France revoked legal recognition for intersex people. This also applies in Guadeloupe.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes not legally recognized.
    In 2016, France revoked legal recognition for intersex people. This also applies in Reunion.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes not legally recognized.
    In 2016, France revoked legal recognition for intersex people. This also applies in Martinique.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes not legally recognized.
    In 2016, France revoked legal recognition for intersex people. This also applies in French Guiana.
  • March 2
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.
    Since 2016, China censors LGBT content, including LGBT-themed films, TV shows, and media, under the General Principles for the Production of TV Drama Content which took effect in March 2016. According to The Guardian, the Chinese government has "banned all depictions of gay people on television," calling it "vulgar, immoral and unhealthy content." The popular "boy love" (BL) TV drama "Addicted" was banned in 2016. A Chinese broadcaster, Mango TV, which broadcasts Eurovision blurred a rainbow flag during the semi-final of the show. In April of 2022, a few lines of dialog were removed from the Chinese release of the film 'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.' The dialog referenced the gay romance between Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald. In August of 2023, Chinese officials removed an LGBTQ song from the set list of popular Taiwanese pop star A-Mei, ahead of her concert in Beijing. Security guards at the event forced fans to remove rainbow symbols and clothing. On the 22nd of August, Chinese officials shut down a handful of popular social media accounts on the Chinese social networking service WeChat.
  • March
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes not legally recognized.
    Non-binary gender is not available. In 2023, the European Court of Human Rights decided in the judgment "Y. v. France" (2023) on the legal recognition of the gender of an intersex person. Specifically, on the case of a person who had been refused by French authorities the possibility to modify their gender marker to reflect the term "neutral" or "intersex". The ECHR rejected that such a decision was in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights, stating that, given the relevance of such a change to the otherwise binary French legal system, it was for the French state itself to reform its legislation beforehand. However, it acknowledged that future developments in Council of Europe member states could change its interpretation. A court ruled in August 2015 that an intersex plaintiff who was designated male at birth, could use the term “neutral gender” on personal official documents. This decision was overturned by a French appeals court.
  • March 1
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Now same sex adoption is possible for not only individuals but same sex couples.
  • February 25
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Since February 25th 2016, the requirements for legally changing one's gender marker no longer includes surgeries in Saskatchewan.
  • February 22
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes varies by region.
    There was one failed attempt by lawmakers in the state assembly to censor LGBT issues in education and several municipalities attempted to pass similar laws, some succeeded, the first of which was Nova Iguaçu in 2016.
  • February 16
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Individuals in Australian Capital Territory can request an X gender marker on their birth certificate.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes varies by region.
    Since 2016, the Australian Capital Territory provided legal recognition to nonbinary people. Other states would follow suit.
  • February 4
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Since 2016, transgender persons are allowed to change their birth name and gender identity (instead of the sex assigned at birth) on legal documents. Since 2024, The Organic Law on Civil Identity and Data Management allows adults to change their name and sex (or gender) one time directly through the register based purely on self-identification. Previously, transgender citizens who sought such changes required two witnesses to attest that the person had been living as the opposite sex for two years.
  • January 26
    Same-sex adoption becomes legal.
    Same-sex couples are allowed to adopt in Jalisco since 2016, when a ban on adoption was struck down.
  • January 25
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Article 2 of the Law on Labour Procedural Reform (Law No. 9,343) (2016) amended Article 404 of the Labour Code to include sexual orientation among prohibited grounds for discrimination in employment. However, gender identity remains unprotected.
  • (date unknown)
    Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    Since 2016, Hong Kong provides gender affirming healthcare for adults but minors are unable to access it.
  • Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.
    Ukraine provides for gender affirming care but requires the recipient to be 18 to access it. Trans Ukrainian children can get a psychiatric diagnosis but are not afforded access to puberty blockers.
  • Censorship of LGBT issues becomes no censorship.
    The Greek government has had a history of censoring LGBT issues, especially in the early 21st century, however, there have been no known incidents since 2015.
  • Gender-affirming care becomes legal.
    Please note: As a general rule, surgical treatment is not offered before the age of 18. Denmark launched a centralised gender transition service in 2016, providing healthcare for trans people, including minors. On May 4th 2023, Denmark imposed some, albeit minimal restrictions on transgender people's ability to access care. This was due to increased numbers of treatment referrals. Transgender youths can still access services with parental consent from 10, from 15 in some cases parental consent is not needed.
  • January 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).
    Homosexual activity is punishable by death in Mauritania, blood donations from MSM cannot be possible.
  • Gender-affirming care becomes legal.
    In Western Sahara, medical gender transitions are framed by a circular issued by the Ministry of Health in 2016. This circular allows transgender people to access medical treatments such as hormone therapy and sex reassignment surgery, under certain conditions and after obtaining the advice of several specialists. The ICD-10 classification, containing codes for diagnosing transsexualism in adulthood and childhood, governs medical gender transitions in Western Sahara.
  • January
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    As well as requiring gender reassignment surgery, they must also be unmarried and not have children.
  • January 1
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    Equal age of consent since 2016.
  • January
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following the Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    All across Canada.
  • (date unknown)
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    The General Administrative Order (2016) issued under section 7 of the Public Service Act and the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2017 ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following the Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • January
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following the Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • (date unknown)
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).
    Following Canadian Blood Services guidelines.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    There is limited protecton based on sexual orientation. Law No. 119/AN/15/7L establishing a Credit Information System protects sexual orientation as sensitive data. According to the law, “Sensitive data” means "personal data that relate to the private sphere of a natural person and may give rise to discriminatory behaviour towards that person or expose him or her to serious risks. Such sensitive data includes, among others, racial or ethnic origin, political, philosophical or religious opinions or trade union membership, as well as information relating to a person’s sexual orientation or health."
  • January 1
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires medical diagnosis.
    Since December 2016, new identity documents are issued before surgery is conducted. This followed an August 2016 ruling which ordered changes requested by two transgender people to their passports and all other documents without requiring them to undergo surgery. Transgender individuals who are married or have an underage child can also apply for transition. Previously, all applicants needed permission from a special commission of the Ministry of Healthcare, had to spend 30 days in a psychiatric hospital (usually placed in the same wards with patients considered "mentally ill"), and needed to be "diagnosed with transsexuality"; this is no longer required.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Article 283(1)(6) of the Penal Code (1987), as amended by Law No. 14 (2016), bans acts of discrimination based on sexual orientation in in the provision of goods and services. Article 283 criminalises public incitement to hatred or discrimination based on sexual orientation.
  • (date unknown)
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    In Malaysia, there have been different court decisions about legal gender recognition applications, with inconsistent results. In addition, fatwas (religious edicts or opinions) on transgender persons issued by the Fatwa Council carry weight in public opinion and government policies, influencing the outcomes of these cases. The most progressive case on the matter was JG v Pengarah Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (High Court of Kuala Lumpur) “JG”. The court followed the Australian case of Re Kevin and rejected the Corbett view of sex as immutably fixed at birth. In the absence of legislative guidance, the court held that medical experts should determine gender, and with both physical and psychological aspects examined by doctors, the court found that the applicant was female and allowed to change the last number on her Identity Card (marking her as female). However, the reasoning in Re JG is not always found instructive in other courts hearing legal gender recognition cases. The court did so on the ground that there was no medical evidence from Malaysian experts on whether gender affirming surgery “changes a person’s gender”. In 2016, another High Court level case allowed a transgender man legal gender recognition after evidence of surgeries, finding the court’s standard of proof in Re Kristie Chan, which insisted on chromosomal requirements, to be “impossible” and “unjust”.
  • January 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (limited rights).
    A civil partnership law was passed and took effect on January 1, 2016, however the laws for the implementation of civil unions were never passed, leaving same sex couples with limited rights.
  • (date unknown)
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Some protections for LGBTI people are in place. Article 56 of Law L/2016/037/AN Relating to Cybersecurity and the Protection of Personal Data in the Republic of Guinea expressly protects sexual orientation. The law punishes with imprisonment or a fine anyone who stores or records sensitive personal data, such as sexual orientation, without the express consent of the person concerned. Law L/2024/001/CNT/SGG on HIV prevention, care, and protection of people living with HIV in the Republic of Guinea defines "Members of sexual minorities" as "individuals whose sexual orientation or identity falls outside the framework of heterosexuality, such as gays, lesbians, bisexuals, intersex, and transgender people, whether they identify as such or not."

LGBT Organizations Founded in 2016

  • LGBTI Sey FaviconLGBTI Sey
    Seychelles
    Our vision for Seychelles is to be a country where all people are accepted and affirmed, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Planet Ally FaviconPlanet Ally
    Global
    Planet Ally, is a mobile website (in development), that focuses on travel and the LGBTIQ community, with a particular focus on allyship and solidarity. Planet Ally is a…
  • YOUTH ARISE LGBT SIERRA LEONE FaviconYOUTH ARISE LGBT SIERRA LEONE
    Sierra Leone
    An LGBT/MSM ADVOCACY, HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANISATION
  • Victorian Pride Centre FaviconVictorian Pride Centre
    Victoria, Australia
    The Victorian Pride Centre will showcase Victoria
  • Metro Manila Pride FaviconMetro Manila Pride
    Philippines
    Metro Manila Pride's aim is to create safe, informative, educational, affirming, intersectional, and empowering spaces for LGBTQIA+ Filipinos. We work towards a future that…
  • Body and data FaviconBody and data
    Nepal
    Body & Data is focused on issues of women and queer in internet; creating a free, open and just Internet that respects autonomy of individuals that upholds their dignity.
  • The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce FaviconThe Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce
    Global
    Our goal is to champion the LGBT Contribution in Philippine Business. The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce is an industry organization of businesses of, by, and for the…
  • ΛΟΑΤ ΑμεΑ FaviconΛΟΑΤ ΑμεΑ
    Greece
    Focuses on the rights and visibility of LGBT PwD.
  • Da se zna! FaviconDa se zna!
    Serbia
    Dasezna provides support for LGBT+ people through improving the efficiency of the protection system and advocating for an appropriate response from the competent authorities.
  • Genç LGBTİ+ Derneği FaviconGenç LGBTİ+ Derneği
    Turkey
    Young Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Intersex Youth Studies and Solidarity Association (short name Young LGBTI+ Association) was established in İzmir in 2016 with the aim of…
  • Somos Parte del Mundo FaviconSomos Parte del Mundo
    Equatorial Guinea
    The Feminist and LGTBIQA+ Collective "Somos Parte del Mundo" of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, intersexual and other sexual-affective orientations people was born in June…
  • Single Step FaviconSingle Step
    Bulgaria
    Single Step’s mission is to support, motivate, and empower LGBTI youth, their families, friends, and allies in Bulgaria. They plan to do this by recognizing and affirming their…
  • LGBT+ Huset FaviconLGBT+ Huset
    Central Jutland, Denmark
    Originally thought up over a couple of draft beers during the Pride Afterparty, LGBT+HUSET is an LGBTQI+ non-profit organization that aims to help people identify, navigate, and…