In this article, we take a look at the 10 most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. If you want to view more countries, head over to 25 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries in the World.
10. United States
Equality Score: 83
LGBT+ rights in the United States have been evolving throughout the years. The Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriages in all states in the year 2015. Change of gender is legal in many states, such as Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, etc. Other states having a legal status require surgery for changing gender. However, Oklahoma is the only state that considers gender change illegal. Discrimination is illegal in many states as well. However, quite a few states also exist that have no legal protection.
9. Australia
Equality Score: 84
Australia stands firmly on the stance that freedom and equality are fundamental human rights. 2017 saw the passing of marriage equality laws in the country. The country has also hosted Sydney World Pride 2023, a human rights conference attended by thousands of people.
8. Germany
Equality Score: 84
Germany’s LGBT+ Inclusion Strategy aims to uphold the rights of the community at regional and international human rights institutions. Same-sex marriages and adoption in the country have been legal since 2017. The country has legal frameworks protecting the community’s rights, and every individual is free to live as per their gender identification and orientation.
7. Spain
Equality Score: 84
Spain has been expanding its efforts to protect and entrench the LGBT+ community’s rights throughout the country. Same-sex couples were granted recognition in 1994, while same-sex marriages and adoption were legalized in 2005. The Spanish law exists to protect the LGBT+ community from discrimination, and conversion therapies are banned.
6. Netherlands
Equality Score: 85
LGBT+ rights in the Netherlands are some of the most prominent and highly celebrated in the world. Same-sex marriages and adoption were legalized in 2001, while discrimination on sexual orientation or gender identity grounds is illegal. Changing gender is legal without surgery, and non-binary genders are also recognized.
5. Denmark
Equality Score: 86
Denmark has recognized the LGBT+ community since a long time. The country legalized same-sex marriages and adoptions in 2012. Same-sex couples can also get married formally in churches. In 2022, 213 men married other men, while 296 women married other women. Changing gender is also allowed without surgery.
4. Norway
Equality Score: 86
Norway has been one of the first countries to explicitly enact anti-discriminatory laws relating to sexual orientation. Same-sex marriages, adoptions, and even assisted insemination treatments have been legal since the year 2009. Registered partners can also adopt under the law since 2002.
3. Uruguay
Equality Score: 86
Uruguay fully supports the LGBT community. Discrimination laws for the protection of this community have been in effect since 2004, civil unions have been legal since 2008, and same-sex marriages were made legal in 2013. Changing gender is legal without surgery, and conversion therapies are banned.
2. Canada
Equality Score: 90
Canada is another country that stands to protect the rights of its LGBT+ community. Homosexual citizens enjoy more social acceptance and equality in the country than they did previously. Same-sex marriages have been legal since 2003, conversion therapies are banned, and adoption by same-sex couples is also legal.
1. Iceland
Equality Score: 90
The progressive state of Iceland is an inclusive country with very high scores on the Social Progress Index. The Pride Parade is celebrated every August with enthusiasm, same-sex marriages have been legal since 2010, and the country is overall happy with the progress on LGBT+ rights. Since the year 2006, gay couples can also adopt children too.
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