Gay rights in Lithuania

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June 2000: Nationalists threaten with actions against gay organisations in Lithuania Three organisations of radical nationalistic youth published a threat to take "effective actions" against gay organisations and press in Lithuania starting in fall. In the petition addressed to the Government young radicals label Lithuanian Gay League as "perverted" and demand to ban it immediately. One of the NGOs -"Young Generation" - openly declares its "strict policy against sexual minorities" on internet site. The public uprisal of homophobia is especially dangerous because these radical NGOs are the youth sections of political parties represented in Lithuanian Parliament. Lithuanian Gay League, legally registered as NGO with Ministry of Justice, published a strong protest against instigation of hate and discrimination and will sue these organisations on the ground of violation of NGO law. (Lithuanian Gay League -- June 2000)

Contents 1 Laws against homosexuals 2 Protection based on sexual orientation in law 3 Recognition of same-sex couples 4 Gay life in the country

[edit] Laws against homosexuals

Homosexual sex, which was illegal in the Soviet Union, has been legalised. The age of consent was equalised in 2004 (at 14 years of age). Homosexuals are not banned from military service. There is no law against homosexuals.

[edit] Protection based on sexual orientation in law

As an obligation for acceptance into the European Union, Lithuania transposed an EU directive into its own laws banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment.

[edit] Recognition of same-sex couples

There is no official recognition of same-sex couples.

[edit] Gay life in the country

There is only a small gay scene in Vilnius. Elsewhere in Lithuania, however, the sparse population means there is no gay scene. A European Union member poll showed Lithuania at 17% support for gay marriage [1].