LGBT rights in the Americas

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are complex in the Americas. The British, French, Spanish and Portuguese colonists, who settled most of the Americas, brought Christianity from Europe. In particular, the Roman Catholic Church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, both of which oppose legal recognition of homosexual relationships followed by Eastern Orthodox church,[1] the Methodist Church,[2][3] and some other Mainline (Protestant) denominations, such as the Reformed Church in America[4] and the American Baptist Church,[5] as well as Conservative Evangelical organizations and churches, such as the Evangelical Alliance. The Southern Baptist Convention.[6][7][8] Pentecostal churches such as the Assemblies of God,[9] as well as Restorationist churches, like Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons, also take the position that homosexual sexual activity is sinful.[10][11].

Acceptance of LGBT persons in the Americas varies widely. Same-sex marriages have been recognized in Canada nationwide since 2005 and in Argentina since 2010. Same-sex marriage in Mexico is recognized nationwide, while in the United States, same-sex marriages are recognized by several states, but not the federal government. Same-sex marriages performed in the Netherlands are recognized in Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles. Furthermore, some other nations have laws recognizing other types of same-sex unions, as well as LGBT adoption and military service by LGBT people. However, many other nations, particularly in the former British West Indies, still have criminal punishment for buggery on their statute books. These countries include Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Contents

Legislation by country or territory

Main article: LGBT rights by country or territory
Tables:

Legislation in North America

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Same-sex adoption Allows gays to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination Laws (sexual orientation) Anti-discrimination Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Bermuda (Overseas territory of the United Kingdom) Legal since 1994 (Age of consent discrepancy) Unknown
Canada Legal since 1969 (Age of consent discrepancy[12]) + UN decl. sign. Legal since 2003, nationwide since 2005 [13][14] Since 1992[15] Bans all anti-gay discrimination, including hate speech Sex changes legally recognised, but only after sex reassignment surgery; Explicit anti-discrimination protections only in NWT, implicit elsewhere;[16]
Mexico Legal since 1872[17]
+ UN decl. sign.		 / PACS in Coahuila since 2007.
All states are obliged to recognize but not to perform same-sex marriages.[18] Foreign same-sex marriages are not recognized.[19]		 / Legal in Mexico City since 2010.[20]
All states are obliged to recognize but not to perform same-sex marriages.[18] Foreign same-sex marriages are not recognized.[21]		 / Joint adoption legal in Mexico City since 2010.[20]
Nationwide, single gay persons may adopt.[22]		 / No explicit ban. However, LGB persons have been reportedly discharged on the grounds of "immorality."[23] Nationwide since 2003.[24] / Transgender persons can change their legal gender and name in Mexico City since 2008.[25]
Saint Pierre et Miquelon (overseas collectivity of France) Legal since 1791
+ UN decl. sign.		 Pacte civil de solidarité since 1999 Single gay persons may adopt Bans some anti-gay discrimination
United States Legal nationwide since 2003.
+ UN decl. sign.
See Lawrence v. Texas		 / Varies by state, but not recognized by federal gov't. Civil unions legal in states of Rhode Island, New Jersey, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maine, Maryland, Delaware , Colorado, Hawaii , Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and California. / Varies by state, but not recognized by federal gov't. Same-sex marriage legal in the states of Iowa, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the U.S. capital, Washington, DC. / Single gay persons may adopt, laws on couples vary by state Since 2011 / No federal protections. Banned in 20 states. Included in the federal hate crimes law since 2009. See Matthew Shepard Act / No federal protections. Banned in 13 states. Included in the federal hate crimes law since 2009. See Matthew Shepard Act

Legislation in Central America

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Same-sex adoption Allows gays to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination Laws (sexual orientation) Anti- discrimination Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Belize Male: Illegal since 2003 (Penalty: 10 year prison sentence)
Female: Legal; Foreign gay males and females barred from country by immigration law
Costa Rica Legal since 1971
+ UN decl. sign.		 N/A Bans some anti-gay discrimination
El Salvador Legal + UN decl. sign. Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination
Guatemala Legal+ UN decl. sign. Unknown Bans some anti-gay discrimination
Honduras Legal since 1899[17] + UN decl. sign. Constitutional ban Constitutional ban
Nicaragua Legal since 2008
+ UN decl. sign.		 Unknown Bans some anti-gay discrimination[17]
Panama Legal since 2008
+ UN decl. sign.

Legislation in the Caribbean islands

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Same-sex adoption Allows gays to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination Laws (sexual orientation) Anti-discrimination Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Anguilla (Overseas territory of the United Kingdom) Legal since 2000
Antigua and Barbuda Illegal (Penalty: 15 year prison sentence)
Aruba (Autonomous country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands) Legal Only unions made in The Netherlands recognised Only same-sex marriages made in The Netherlands recognised
Bahamas Legal since 1991 (Age of consent discrepancy)
Barbados Illegal (Penalty: life sentence)
British Virgin Islands Legal since 2000 Bans some anti-gay discrimination
Cayman Islands Legal since 2000 Unknown Unknown
Cuba Legal since 1979
+ UN decl. sign.		 (but proposed)
Dominica Illegal (Penalty: 10 year prison sentence)
+ UN decl. sign.
Dominican Republic + UN decl. sign.
Grenada Male illegal (Penalty: 10 year prison sentence)
Female legal
Guadeloupe (Overseas department of France) Legal since 1791
+ UN decl. sign.		 Pacte civil de solidarité
since 1999		 Single gay persons may adopt Bans some anti-gay discrimination
Haiti Legal since 1986
Jamaica Illegal (Penalty: 10 years hard labor)
Female legal.
Martinique (Overseas department of France) Legal since 1791
+ UN decl. sign.		 Pacte civil de solidarité
since 1999		 Single gay persons may adopt Bans some anti-gay discrimination
Montserrat Legal since 2000
Puerto Rico (Commonwealth of the United States) Legal since 2003 since 2011 The US hate crime laws also apply to all US external territories as well The US hate crime laws also apply to all US external territories as well
Saint Kitts and Nevis Male illegal (Penalty: 10 years)
Female legal
Saint Lucia Male illegal (Penalty: fine and/or 10 year prison sentence)
Female legal
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Illegal (Penalty: fine and/or 10 year prison sentence)
Trinidad and Tobago Illegal (Penalty: 25 year prison sentence)
Turks and Caicos Islands Legal since 2000
United States Virgin Islands (Insular area of the United States) Legal since 1984 since 2011 The US hate crime laws also apply to all US external territories as well The US hate crime laws also apply to all US external territories as well

Legislation in South America

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex relationships Same-sex marriage Same-sex adoption Allows gays to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination Laws (sexual orientation) Anti- discrimination Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Argentina Legal since 1887[17]
+ UN decl. sign.		 Unregistered cohabitation throughout the country. Legal since 2010.[26] Legal since 2010. Since 2009.[27] Legal protection on sexual orientation nationwide proposed, still awaiting Senate approval. Legal protection on gender identity nationwide proposed, still awaiting Senate approval.
Bolivia Legal
+ UN decl. sign.		 (Proposed) Constitutional ban Constitutional ban Unknown Bans some anti-gay discrimination Bans all discrimination based on gender identity[28]
Brazil Legal since 1830[17]
+ UN decl. sign.		 Unregistered cohabitation since 2004 and civil union since 2011. (pending before the Supreme Federal Court, the decision will be in 2012)[29] Legal since 2010. Gays and lesbians to serve openly in military.[30] / Legal protection on sexual orientation nationwide proposed, still awaiting Senate approval.[31] Legal protection in many states. Since 2009, the jurisprudence of the Superior Court of Justice has been in favor of Gender-motivated identity change.[32][33]
Chile Legal since 1999[17] (Age of consent discrepancy)
+ UN decl. sign.		 (pending) (pending) No laws related to the sexual orientation of members of the armed forces.[34] (pending)[35][36] (pending)[35][36]
Colombia Legal since 1981
+ UN decl. sign.		 Legal since 2007 / from 20 July, 2013 under a Court ruling if Congress does not act. single person, no matter her/his sexual orientation may adopt. First case of step-child adoption, Court ordered.[37] since 1999. Since 2009: the military special social security system can be used by same sex couples in the army The Constitution of 1991 penalizes discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation. In 2011 Congress reinforce the Constitutional anti-discrimination principle by law. [38] [39] Since 1993. The name's gender can be changed easily in the National ID Card, to change the sex field a surgery is required.
Ecuador Legal since 1997
+ UN decl. sign.		 [40] Civil unions recognized since 2009 Constitutional ban Constitutional ban Bans some anti-gay discrimination Bans all discrimination based on gender identity
Falkland Islands (overseas territory of the UK) Legal Legal since 2005 Bans some anti-gay discrimination Unknown
French Guiana Legal since 1791
+ UN decl. sign.		 Pacte civil de solidarité since 1999 Single gay persons may adopt Bans some anti-gay discrimination Unknown
Guyana Male illegal (Penalty: life imprisonment)
Female legal.		 Unknown Added to constitution in 2004, but withdrawn afterwards by the government. Unknown
Paraguay Legal since 1880[17]
+ UN decl. sign.		 Constitutional ban since 1992[41] Constitutional ban since 1992[41] Unknown Unknown
Peru Legal since 1836-37[17] since 2009[42] Bans all anti-gay discrimination. Penalized with 2-4 years in jail. Possible via Civil Code and Legal Process, but no specific law.
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Legal Legal since 2005 Bans some anti-gay discrimination Unknown
Suriname Legal since 1869[17] Unknown Unknown
Uruguay Legal since 1934
+ UN decl. sign.		 Civil unions since 2008.[43] But proposed.[44] Since 2009.[45] Since 2009.[46] Legal protection since 2004.[47] Legal protection since 2004.[47]

Transgender persons can change their legal gender and name since 2009.[48]
Venezuela Legal
+ UN decl. sign.		 Civil union bill passed first reading, becomes law if passes second Bans some anti-gay discrimination[17] Under consideration (passed first reading)

See also

LGBT portal
Human rights portal

References

  1. ^ On Marriage, Family, Sexuality, and the Sanctity of Life
  2. ^ "The Christian Life - Christian Conduct". Free Methodist Church. http://www.freemethodistchurch.org/Sections/About%20Us/Beliefs/Christian%20Life/Christian%20Conduct/Christian%20Conduct%203.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-16. 
  3. ^ "British Methodists reject blessing of same-sex relationships". The United Methodist Church. http://www.umc.org/site/c.gjJTJbMUIuE/b.1827285/k.B985/British_Methodists_reject_blessing_of_samesex_relationships.htm. Retrieved 2007-05-16. 
  4. ^ "Summaries of General Synod Discussions and Actions on Homosexuality and the Rights of Homosexuals". Reformed Church in America. http://www.rca.org/Page.aspx?pid=501. Retrieved 2009-11-21. 
  5. ^ "We Are American Baptists". American Baptist Churches USA. http://www.abc-usa.org/WhoWeAre/Identity/IdentityStatement/tabid/78/Default.aspx. Retrieved 2009-11-21. 
  6. ^ Position Statements/Sexuality
  7. ^ Statement on Homosexuality
  8. ^ Position Paper on Homosexuality
  9. ^ Homosexuality
  10. ^ Homosexuality —How Can I Avoid It?
  11. ^ Same-Gender Attraction - LDS Newsroom
  12. ^ "Criminal Code (R.S., 1985, c. C-46), Section 159, Subsection (1)". Department of Justice Canada. 21 May 2010.
  13. ^ Sexual Orientation and Legal Rights (92-1E)
  14. ^ Same Sex Couple Adoption: The Situation in Canada and Australia (Research Note 29 1999-2000)
  15. ^ "Canadian Armed Forces". The Canadian Lesbian & Gay Archives. http://www.clga.ca/Material/Records/docs/details/caf.htm. Retrieved 30 September 2010. 
  16. ^ Northwest Territories Human Rights Act, S.N.W.T. 2002, c.18. Section 5.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i j State-sponsored Homophobia A world survey of laws prohibiting same sex activity between consenting adults
  18. ^ a b David Agren (10 August 2010). "Mexican States Ordered to Honor Gay Marriages". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/11/world/americas/11mexico.html?_r=1. Retrieved 11 August 2010. 
  19. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/11/world/americas/11mexico.html
  20. ^ a b Associated Press (4 March 2010). "Mexico City’s gay marriage law takes effect". MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35714490/ns/world_news-americas/#storyContinued. Retrieved 6 March 2010. 
  21. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/11/world/americas/11mexico.html
  22. ^ "Intercountry Adoption: Mexico". Office of Children Issues, U.S. Dept. of State. November 2009. http://adoption.state.gov/country/mexico.html. 
  23. ^ (Spanish) Milenio Semanal (17 October 2010). "Homosexualidad y Ejército". http://www.msemanal.com/node/3117. Retrieved 31 October 2010. 
  24. ^ International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) (23 April 2003). "Mexico protects its gay and lesbian citizens with new law". http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Mexico+protects+its+gay+and+lesbian+citizens+with+new+law.-a0108149079. Retrieved 27 November 2009. 
  25. ^ International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) Trans (29 August 2008). "Mexico City extends official rights to transgender individuals". http://trans.ilga.org/trans/welcome_to_the_ilga_trans_secretariat/news/mexico_mexico_city_extends_official_rights_to_transgender_individuals. Retrieved 27 November 2009. 
  26. ^ Argentina Passes Gay Marriage Bill
  27. ^ AG magazine (2 March 2009). "A New Argentina Overturns Gay Military Ban". Queerty. http://www.queerty.com/a-new-argentina-overturns-gay-military-ban-20090302/. Retrieved 1 January 2010. 
  28. ^ Constitución Política del Estado VIGENTE Bolivia
  29. ^ (Portuguese) Juiz barra casamento de gays que vivem juntos há 16 anos
  30. ^ (Portuguese) Patricia Silva Gadelha (March 2006). "A prática da pederastia é crime militar". Jus Navigandi. http://jus2.uol.com.br/doutrina/texto.asp?id=8206. Retrieved 1 January 2010. 
  31. ^ (Portuguese) Iara Bernardi (Dezember 2010). "Projeto de Lei 122/2006". http://www.senado.gov.br/atividade/materia/Consulta.asp?STR_TIPO=PLC&TXT_NUM=122&TXT_ANO=2006&Tipo_Cons=6&IND_COMPL=&FlagTot=1. Retrieved 31 Dezember 2010. 
  32. ^ (Portuguese) Expresso da Notícia (13 January 2006). "Justiça autoriza alteração no registro de transexual que trocou de sexo". Jus Brasil. http://www.jusbrasil.com.br/noticias/135663/justica-autoriza-alteracao-no-registro-de-transexual-que-trocou-de-sexo. Retrieved 1 January 2010. 
  33. ^ (Portuguese) Expresso da Notícia (25 December 2005). "Justica autoriza mudança de sexo em documentos". Jus Brasil. http://www.jusbrasil.com.br/noticias/135675/justica-autoriza-mudanca-de-sexo-em-documentos. Retrieved 1 January 2010. 
  34. ^ Reflexiones en torno a la homosexualidad y fuerzas armadas, Claudio Ortiz Lazo, Ministry of Defense of Chile.
  35. ^ a b (Spanish) Discriminación por orientación sexual y por identidad de género será sancionada por ley
  36. ^ a b Chilean Senate approves extensive anti-discrimination law
  37. ^ "Ordenan al ICBF iniciar trámite para que lesbiana adopte hija de su pareja". CaracolTV.com. 23 January 2010. http://www.caracoltv.com/noticias/justicia/articulo165973-ordenan-al-icbf-iniciar-tramite-lesbiana-adopte-hija-de-su-pareja. Retrieved 30 September 2010. (Spanish)
  38. ^ "Este miércoles el presidente Santos sanciona ley antidiscriminación". ElTiempo.com. 29 November 2011. http://www.eltiempo.com/politica/ARTICULO-WEB-NEW_NOTA_INTERIOR-10855506.html. Retrieved 29 November 2011. (Spanish)
  39. ^ Mora, Manuel Velandia. "Cambio de nombre es posible en Colombia". Manuel Antonio Velandia Mora Autobiografía y artículos. http://manuelvelandiaautobiografiayarticulos.blogspot.com/2007/12/el-cambio-de-nombre-es-posible-en.html. Retrieved 30 September 2010. (Spanish)
  40. ^ Rodríguez, Yesyd. "Ecuador celebró la primera unión de hecho entre personas del mismo sexo, desatando la indignación de la iglesia católica". Dos Manzanas. http://www.dosmanzanas.com/2009/10/ecuador-celebro-la-primera-union-de-hecho-entre-personas-del-mismo-sexo-desatando-la-indignacion-de-la-iglesia-catolica.html. Retrieved 30 September 2010. (Spanish)
  41. ^ a b "Paraguay - Constitution". International Contitutional Law. http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/pa00000_.html. Retrieved 30 September 2010. 
  42. ^ "El Tribunal Constitucional de Perú considera que no se puede excluir de la Polícia o el Ejército a las personas homosexuales". Dos Manzanas. 13 December 2009. http://www.dosmanzanas.com/2009/12/el-tribunal-constitucional-de-peru-considera-que-no-se-puede-excluir-de-la-policia-o-el-ejercito-a-las-personas-homosexuales.html. Retrieved 30 September 2010. 
  43. ^ Hilary Burke (18 December 2007). "Uruguay OKs gay unions in Latin American first". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1854039020071219. Retrieved 1 January 2010. 
  44. ^ (Spanish) AG magazine (28 May 2009). "Ahora Uruguay va por el matrimonio gay". http://www.agmagazine.info/2009/05/26/ahora-uruguay-va-por-el-matrimonio-gay/. Retrieved 1 January 2010. 
  45. ^ Reuters (9 September 2009). "Lawmakers in Uruguay Vote to Allow Gay Couples to Adopt". New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/world/americas/10uruguay.html. Retrieved 1 January 2010. 
  46. ^ Rachel Weiner (15 May 2009). "Uruguay Lifts Ban On Gays In The Military". Huffington Post. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/15/uruguay-lifts-ban-on-gays_n_203996.html. Retrieved 1 January 2010. 
  47. ^ a b (Spanish) Congress of Uruguay (18 August 2004). "Ley N° 17.817". http://www.parlamento.gub.uy/leyes/AccesoTextoLey.asp?Ley=17817&Anchor=. Retrieved 1 January 2010. 
  48. ^ Free Speech Radio News (11 December 2009). "Uruguay passes bill to allow citizens to choose gender identity". http://www.fsrn.org/audio/uruguay-passes-bill-allow-citizens-choose-gender-identity/5887. Retrieved 1 January 2010. 
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