LGBT rights in the United Kingdom

Europe-UK

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LGBT rights in the United Kingdom have evolved significantly over the past few decades, with the country now recognized as one of the most progressive in the world regarding LGBT rights. The legal and social status of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in the UK has seen substantial changes, particularly from the late 20th century onwards.

Legal History

Decriminalization

The decriminalization of homosexual acts in the UK began with the Sexual Offences Act 1967, which decriminalized private homosexual acts between men over the age of 21 in England and Wales. This was followed by similar legislation in Scotland with the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1980 and in Northern Ireland with the Homosexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 1982.

Age of Consent

The age of consent for homosexual acts was initially set higher than for heterosexual acts. It was equalized at 16 in England, Wales, and Scotland by the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000, and at 17 in Northern Ireland by the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008.

Civil Partnerships and Marriage

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 allowed same-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships, granting them similar rights and responsibilities to those of marriage. Same-sex marriage was later legalized in England and Wales by the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013, in Scotland by the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014, and in Northern Ireland by the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019.

Adoption and Parenting

Same-sex couples have been able to adopt children jointly since the implementation of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 in England and Wales, the Adoption and Children (Scotland) Act 2007, and the Adoption and Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1987.

Gender Recognition

The Gender Recognition Act 2004 allows transgender individuals to obtain legal recognition of their gender, provided they meet certain criteria.

Social Attitudes

Public attitudes towards LGBT individuals in the UK have become increasingly positive. Surveys and studies indicate growing acceptance and support for LGBT rights among the general population.

Military Service

LGBT individuals have been allowed to serve openly in the British Armed Forces since 2000, following the lifting of the ban on homosexual service members.

Discrimination Protections

The Equality Act 2010 provides comprehensive protections against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender reassignment in various areas, including employment, education, and the provision of goods and services.

Related Pages

• LGBT history in the United Kingdom
• Stonewall (charity)
• Section 28
• Equal marriage
• Transgender rights in the United Kingdom
• LGBT culture in the United Kingdom

See Also

• Human rights in the United Kingdom
• LGBT rights by country or territory
• LGBT social movements