Lithuania Refuses Residency Permit to Same-Sex Spouse

On January 22nd, 2016 the Lithuanian Migration Department refused to issue a temporary residence permit to a Belarusian man, who is married to his Lithuanian same-sex partner in Denmark. The Migration Department’s decision can be appealed within 14 days at Vilnius Regional Administrative Court. “The decision is to refuse a permit to temporarily reside in

Mexican Supreme Court strikes down state marriage ban

The Mexican Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down the state of Jalisco’s same-sex marriage ban. The justices in their 11-0 ruling said the portion of the Jalisco Civil Code that defines marriage as between a man and a woman amounts to discrimination based on sexual orientation under the Mexican constitution. Milenio, a Mexican newspaper, quoted

Portugal’s President Vetoes Adoption Rights for Gay Couples

In one of his last acts in office, Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva has vetoed legislation allowing same-sex couples to adopt children. Cavaco Silva vetoed the bill, saying the issue should be subject to further debate, Agence France-Presse reports. “It is important that such a big change on a sensitive social topic is not entered into

Activate your inner rainbow!

In February young people from eight European countries will travel to the Netherlands to exchange and gain knowledge and skills on LGBTQIA+ rights, history, culture, issues and needs in their countries. LGL’s volunteer Justė Miliauskaitė will lead the group from Lithuania. Justė and the other group leaders met to prepare the youth exchange. Here is

Refugee homes for homosexuals set to open in Nuremberg and Berlin

An LGBT community group in Nuremberg has announced plans to open what looks to be Germany’s first shelter for homosexual asylum seekers. The move follows a number of attacks and discrimination against gay refugees LGBT group and operators of the accommodation “Fliederlich” said on Monday that up to 10 gay and lesbian refugees will be

Eurovision star V. Baumila performed at LGL‘s party

After 22 years of work, the National LGBT* rights organization LGL seems to know well how to bring the LGBT* community together and how to party. Even though officially LGL turned 22 on the 3rd of December, 2015 its birthday party took place just this month – for a special reason: LGL did not just

In a resolution the European Parliament has expressed its concern regarding “discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity.” The adopted text is a recommendation from the Parliament to EU Member States to speak out for LGBTI people at the United Nations Human Rights

Canada university establishes world’s first chair of transgender studies

The University of Victoria in British Columbia has established the world’s first chair of transgender studies, it announced on Friday (15 January). Sociology professor and transgender man Aaron Devor will research a broad range of issues affecting the community, such as healthcare, poverty, discrimination and suicide. ‘Far too many trans and gender nonconforming people still

Lebanese judge rules trans man can legally change gender

A Lebanese judge has ruled that a transgender man can legally change his gender in the country’s civil registry. Judge Janet Hanna of the Court of Appeals of Beirut last September ruled in favor of the trans man who had undergone sex-reassignment surgery. Her decision was released on Friday. Dr. Omar Fattal, president of the

Taiwan elects new President who supports equal marriage

A vocal supporter of same-sex marriage has been elected as Taiwan’s new President. The country, known variously as Taiwan, the Republic of China and Chinese Taipei, made a bold step today by electing Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party as President. As well as being the country’s first female President, Ms Tsai is an outspoken

Football teams fined by FIFA after fans chant homophobic jibes

FIFA has fined six football associations following homophobic chanting during 2018 World Cup qualifying matches.     Chile, Argentina and Mexico are among six football associations that have had disciplinary proceedings opened against them by FIFA due to homophobic chants by their fans. Chile’s fine is related to anti-gay abuse chanted throughout all four of

The UK government’s first inquiry into transgender equality has said the legal, healthcare and criminal justice systems are failing the country’s 650,000 ‘gender incongruent’ people. The report, released on (Wednesday) 13 January, made more than 30 recommendations, emphasizing the need to update existing legislation and provide better services, especially in the NHS. ‘The committee took evidence on a very wide range