Gay Rights Around the World: Exploring the history, impact and effect on society, and current status (6th of 6 parts)

This is the last part of the feature on the history and status of gay rights worldwide. This covers the impact and status of the gay rights movement outside of the United States. This includes the legislations promulgated by other countries about same sex marriage, the right to adopt as a gay individual or couple, the right to serve in the army, the right to change true gender and how the legislations for gay and transgender discrimination stand.

Status of same sex marriage outside of the United States

One of the major issues that LGBTs or lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders fought hard to achieve is the recognition and legalization of same sex marriage, among other rights. The first country to provide recognition of same sex marriage was The Netherlands. The landmark recognition was given in 2001.

Two years later, in 2003, Belgium gave its recognition to the controversial right. Canada and Spain allowed it in 2005 while South Africa recognized same sex marriage the following year. Sweden and Norway were the next countries to give their recognition to the same sex union in 2009. Argentina, Iceland and Portugal legalized it in 2010. Two years later Denmark likewise legalized it. Uruguay became the 12th country to legalize the union. The law was enacted in April 2013.

The 13^th country that recognizes same-sex marriage is New Zealand. Parliament has passed its marriage equality legislation on April 17, 2013. It is the first country in the Asi-Pacific region to do so. It will take effect in four months, which means that gay couples can be married in New Zealand as early as August 2013.

Same sex marriage is recognized and performed in Brazil, although it is not performed in the whole country. There are ten areas in Brazil where the union is performed and recognized. These include Alogoas, Bahia, Federal District, Piauí, Mato Grosco do Sul, Paraná, Ceará, Sergipe, Espirito Santo and São Paulo.

While the Netherlands is the first country where same sex marriage is legal, its territories only recognize the union. Marriage ceremonies are not performed in Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten. Likewise, Israel recognizes same sex unions but the marriage ceremonies are not performed in the country. In Mexico, the union is only recognized in Mexico City and Quintana Roo.

Gays in France have a reason to celebrate. The marriage equality bill is being acted upon by legislators. This will give the right to couples of the same sex to get married and adopt children as a couple. The gender reference in marriage applications was removed on February 2 this year (2013). The whole bill was approved on February 12 and on April 9 the French Senate had passed the first article. In the next few weeks the Senate will vote on the rest of the amendments made in the bill. The National Assembly is expected to approve it by May 2013. French President Francois Hollande intends to give his full support for this bill.

In Italy on the other hand, the Five Star Movement, the populist party headed by Beppe Grillo has already presented three pro-gay bills – equality in marriage, transgender rights and removal of gay hate in the country. The first drafts of bills 391, 392 and 393 are already being investigated by an Italian commission prior to an Italian parliament debate. Bill 391 is about the new rules on transphobia and homophobia. Bill 392 deals with the new rules concerning “gender reassignment” as well as the lives of transgenders. Bill 393 is the one that deals with civil partnerships and same-sex marriages.

While the bill might have a slim chance of being approved since Italy is heavily populated by Catholics, for the supporters of the gay freedom, a parliament debate about it is already a major step. However, the highly conservative new pope, with his views on marriage equality, will present a very big hurdle.

The Egyptian government has recognized homosexuality in the country since 2001. It was done to tone down the criticisms they receive from foreign politicians and several human rights groups. LGBT rights in Egypt still is a gray area in the country.

Beyond the legislations

There are still major hurdles to be overcome but for most homosexuals, their relationship being acknowledged is already satisfying. Yes, most of them do long for a marriage ceremony that could be legally and emotionally binding and to be allowed to adopt would complete their own family life. Outside of this, what they truly wish for is an end to discrimination. Very few countries have laws that could give them full protection. Hate campaigns are still waged against them. A lot of people still take a dogmatic view on their relationships. But these things are changing as more people are becoming aware of their place in society; that they are also human beings and deserved to be loved and respected.

They might not achieve true equality but for the LGBTs, they would rather have the heterosexist bigotry eliminated. They will continue to fight for hatred to disappear, for without it, the rest of their rights will fall right into place. After all, with tolerance, the road to peace becomes clearer.