The LGBTQ+ community stretches far and wide and it’s important to know what’s happening beyond our own borders. Here are some important developments happening with the international LGBTQ+ community.
Barbados
In positive news for LGBTQ+ Bajans, the Barbados High Court has reversed its colonial-era anti-sodomy law this December. The written judgment is expected in January and will go forward unless appealed. Prime Minister Mia Mottley has previously called for the law to be abolished. Caribbean countries Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Kitts and Nevis also struck down similar laws this year.
India
While India reversed their colonial-era ban on sodomy, decriminalizing homosexuality in 2018, the LGBTQ+ community is hoping for more acceptance and legal standing. Four LGBTQ+ couples have taken their case to India’s Supreme Court, asking the court to recognize and legalize same-sex marriage. The case will be heard in January.
Russia
While life has become increasingly challenging and dangerous for LGBTQ+ Russians, Russia’s government has expanded its 2013 anti-gay propaganda law to include all ages, making it illegal to show LGBTQ+ life in media, including advertising, television and film. Read more about the propaganda law and hear from LGBTQ+ activists here.
Indonesia
Indonesia’s Parliament ruled in early December that sex outside marriage is illegal. As same-sex marriage is illegal in Indonesia, it leaves its LGBTQ+ community vulnerable to imprisonment and fines. A similar ruling was attempted in 2019 and met with much protest, but this go around, activists were left without time to protest or try to challenge the proposal.
Ukraine
Ukraine has been taking steps to be a more welcoming place for LGBTQ+ citizens, and a new law passed Dec. 15 now makes hate speech and incitement against the LGBTQ+ community illegal. In addition, president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also expressed support for a civil partnership law for LGBTQ+ couples. His support came in response to a marriage equality petition submitted to him in July. Ukraine’s constitution currently defines marriage as a union between men and women. However, according to Zelenskyy, as the country is under martial law, changes to the constitution cannot be made at this time.
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