Bhutan Parliament votes to decriminalize homosexuality
Sixty-three of the 69 members of the Bhutan Parliament voted in favor of making gay sex legal; the other six were absent.
Gay rights
This archive tracks legal victories, policy shifts, and cultural milestones that have expanded rights and recognition for LGBTQ+ people worldwide. Stories span court rulings, legislative wins, and community-led advocacy across dozens of countries. The focus is on documented progress — what changed, where, and how it happened.
Switzerland is set to be the next country to legalize marriage equality
The Council of States passed a law that would legalize marriage equality with a 22-15 vote, with seven abstentions. The lower house passed the bill this past June. The bill now goes back to the National Council for final approval and it is expected to pass before the end of the year.
New HIV diagnoses in British gay and bisexual men hits 20-year-low
A new report shows that there were 1,700 new HIV diagnoses in gay and bisexual men in 2000. In 2019, new HIV diagnoses stood at 1,500. HIV transmission has fallen by 80% between 2011 when there was an estimated peak of 2,700 cases and 2019 when there was an estimated 540.
Texas reverses rule allowing social workers the “right” to refuse LGBTQ clients
In 2010 and 2012, the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners passed protections that banned discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Over the past two years, state Republicans have pushed to repeal these measures.
Austin Quinn-Davidson to become Anchorage’s first gay and first woman mayor
The city of Anchorage, Alaska will have its first woman mayor and its first gay mayor as Austin Quinn-Davidson is set to become the city’s acting mayor after Mayor Ethan Berkowitz (D) announced his resignation amidst sexual harassment allegations.
Pride House Tokyo, the first-ever permanent LGBTQ center in Japan, opens in Tokyo
Their opening was an official part of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics’ Programme, making it the first “Pride House” officially recognized by the International Olympics Committee.
Louisville, Kentucky mayor signs ban on harmful gay ‘conversion therapy’
The Louisville Metro Council passed the ordinance in mid-September. The ordinance passed committee unanimously the week prior and passed Metro Council 24 to 1. The lone “no” vote was Councilman Stuart Benson, who said he didn’t think the matter was in the council’s lane.
California governor signs law to equalize punishments for gay & straight sex offenders
Introduced by gay State Sen. Scott Wiener (D), the law gives judges the ability to keep LGBTQ teenagers off the state’s public sex offender registry if the teens are of similar ages, the same leeway the state already gives straight teens.
Kansas commission adds LGBT nondiscrimination protections
The commission that enforces Kansas’ nondiscrimination laws will begin hearing claims from people who allege they are being mistreated because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Anchorage Assembly passes ban on conversion therapy
The Assembly ultimately passed the ban 9 to 2. The ordinance prevents licensed professionals such as therapists or school counselors from engaging in efforts to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity