LGBT rights in Denmark

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Gay rights in Denmark are generally extensive, and Danish society is very tolerant of homosexuality. The left-of-centre political parties—Enhedslisten, the Socialist People's Party, the Social Democrats, and the Danish Social Liberal Party—support gay rights, while the right-of-centre parties are more sceptical. The civil union law was, however, enacted under a conservative-led government, but during a period in which the Danish Social Liberal Party was also part of the government.

[edit] Laws on homosexuality

Homosexuality was legalised in 1933 and since 1979, the age of consent is equal at 15, regardless of sexual orientation and/or gender. Homosexuals are not banned from military service. In addition, Danish law bans hate crimes, which includes crimes against people because of their sexuality.

[edit] Rights of same-sex couples

Denmark was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex unions, in 1989. The Danish parliament, Folketinget, has since then discussed same-sex marriage, artificial insemination of lesbians, and couples' rights to adopt several times. Homosexuals can adopt their partner's biological children. On June 2, 2006, a majority in Folketinget voted for abolishing a law that since 1997 had banned lesbians from insemination.

A December 2006 European Union member poll showed Danish support for same sex marriage at 69% [1]. Angus Reid Global Monitor conducted the poll for issues regarding European Union integration. With the attitudes in Europe regarding the legalization of Same-Sex Marriage; Denmark proved to be high on the list of possible nations that would grant marriage to Gay and Lesbian citizens. In third place behind The Netherlands (82%), and Sweden (71%); 69% of Danes believe Same-Sex Marriage should be legalized. With a polling number this high, along with a long history of progressive gay rights movements in Danish politics, including the Folketinget; it is recommended that Denmark be added to the list of nations currently debating the legalization of Same-Sex Marriage. If legalized, Denmark would be the first Nordic nation to allow this civil liberty. [2]

[edit] Greenland

In 1979, Denmark granted Greenland sovereignty under the Home Rule Act, although it still influences the island's culture and politics. As is the case with Denmark, homosexuality is a not a crime, when it involves consenting adults in private, and Denmarks's antidiscrimination laws also apply to Greenland [3].

Greenland enacted a civil unions law in 1996 and there is a LGBT-rights organization called "Qaamaneq" (Light), which has organized social events [4].

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