LGBT rights in Panama

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Legislation on a sodomy law is unknown in Panama, or other legislation is unknown for non-commercial private, consensual same-sex sexual conduct. There are also no laws protecting gays from discrimination. Gays and lesbians are banned from both the armed forces and the police.

[edit] History

In 1996 Panama's first lesbian and gay organisation Asociación Hombres y Mujeres Nuevos de Panama (AHMNP) was founded. It recently received legal recognition after a 3 year battle with the authorities and the church. It is still the only gay and lesbian organisation in Panama. Last year they presented a petition calling for partnership rights, and in June 2005 Panama's first Gay Pride March was held with 100 AHMNP demonstrators.

Article 39 of the Constitution forbids the creation of "companies, associations or foundations" that are contrary to moral or legal order. In the past this has been used to refuse registration of gay organisations.

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