Same-sex couples are finally able to adopt children in all 50 states

Mississippi was the last state in the country to maintain its ban on same-sex adoption, until Federal Judge Daniel Jordan overruled it on Thursday. Mississippi’s anti-gay law which prohibits same-sex couples from adopting kids has been stuck down in federal court on Thursday night, making gay adoption legal throughout all 50 states in the U.S.

Indonesian lawmakers considering LGBT propaganda bill

Indonesian lawmakers are considering a bill that would block websites promoting so-called LGBT propaganda. The Jakarta Post reported that a commission in the Indonesian House of Representatives on March 3 urged the country’s Ministry of Communications and Information to consider the measure. Spokesperson Ismail Cowidu told the Jakarta Post that his ministry has created a

Italian Senate approves civil unions for gay and heterosexual couples

Politicians in Rome have approved a bill recognizing civil unions for same sex and heterosexual couples. However, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi had to water down the legislation a great deal for the Upper House’s approval. Prime Minister Renzi would have had to resign had he lost Thursday’s vote, but 173 members voted for the bill

Portuguese lawmakers approve same-sex adoption bill

Portuguese lawmakers on Nov. 20 approved a bill that would extend adoption rights to same-sex couples. All but one member of the Socialist Party and other center-left parties that have a majority in the Portuguese Parliament voted for the measure. Nineteen members of the center-right Social Democratic Party also backed the bill. Advocates began their

IGLYO condemns anti-gay propaganda bill in Lithuania

IGLYO is deeply concerned to hear the shocking and sudden advancement of oppressive anti-gay propaganda bill In Lithuania, which similarly to the laws in Russia will infringe the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. The suggested legislation outlaws ‘public denigration of constitutional family values’, which is specifically designed to prevent discussion of LGBTIQ issues in a positive

A bill designed to restrict freedom of expression and freedom of assembly has made an unwelcome reappearance on Lithuania’s parliamentary agenda. ILGA-Europe was shocked to learn that an amendment to the country’s administrative code which punishes ‘public denigration of constitutional moral values’ will be voted on this Thursday (12 November 2015). Bill XIP 4490(3) would

Open letter to Lithuanian Parliament: Reject bill targeting LGBTI people

The Parliament of Lithuania will vote tomorrow on a bill that seeks to introduce fines for any public denigration of “constitutional family values.”   According to the proposal, actions as carrying out public speeches, demonstrating goods, posters, slogans and audio-visual materials, as well as organizing public events such as Baltic Pride would result in an

Cyprus government makes significant step towards equality for all families

Today the Cypriot government approved a long-awaited bill introducing civil partnerships for all couples. The bill is now with the Cypriot parliament for final approval. Today, the National LGBT* Organization LGL takes the opportunity to congratulate the Cyprus Government for the introduction of civil partnerships. Together with ILGA-Europe, LGL wishes best of luck for a

Chilean president signs civil unions bill

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Monday signed a bill into law that will allow gays and lesbians in the South American country to enter into civil unions. “The civil union law is a vindication in the struggle for sexual diversity rights,” said Bachelet during the signing ceremony that took place at the Presidential Palace in

Irish senators approve same-sex adoption bill

Irish senators have approved plans for same-sex couples to adopt. The Seanad in the Republic of Ireland spent nearly a week discussing the Children and Family Relationship Bill – which was subject to over 120 amendments, and days of debate. It was approved late on Monday after nearly eight hours of debate, clearing the Seanad by a vote