The Netherlands is writing LGBTQ rights into its constitution
The Netherlands’ lower chamber of the legislature voted 124-26 to add “sexual orientation” to the list of protected categories in its constitution.
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.
Gabon’s legislature repeals the ban on homosexuality
Last week, the National Assembly in the central African nation voted in favor a bill that would legalize homosexuality. This past Monday, the Senate passed the law. President Ali Bongo is expected to sign it.
U.S. Supreme Court rules employers cannot discriminate against LGBTQ+ workers
The Supreme Court has ruled that a landmark 1964 civil rights law protects gay and transgender workers from discrimination in a historic victory for the LGBTQ+ community. The six-to-three verdict for the first time extends federal workplace protections to LGBTQ+ workers nationwide.
Gay widower wins historic victory for Social Security benefits in federal court
The U.S. District Court for Arizona said that it was unconstitutional for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to deny benefits to LGBT+ spouses wed for less than nine months as same-sex unions were illegal in some U.S. states until 2015.
Costa Rica becomes first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage
“Today we celebrate liberty, equality and our democratic institutions. May empathy and love be the compass that guide us forward and allow us to move forward and build a country that has room for everyone,” President Carlos Alvarado Quesada wrote.
Germany becomes fifth country to ban gay conversion therapy for minors
Germany’s legislature has passed a ban on the advertising and practice of so-called gay conversion therapy for people under age 18, joining Malta, Ecuador, Brazil and Taiwan.
Switzerland votes in favour of LGBT protection bill
The result – 63.1% in favour to 36.9% against – is a huge boost for Switzerland’s LGBT community. A bill to legalise same-sex marriage is currently on its way through parliament.
Legalising gay marriage caused dramatic fall in suicides in Denmark and Sweden, study finds
A 46 per cent fall in suicides among people in same-sex marriages was recorded by comparing two time periods in Denmark and Sweden – from 1989 to 2002, and 2003 to 2016.
Utah bans conversion therapy for LGBTQ children
The discredited practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ children is now banned in Utah, making it the 19th state and one of the most conservative to prohibit it.
Same-sex marriage now legal in Northern Ireland
From Monday, same-sex couples will be able to register to marry, meaning the first ceremonies will take place in February.