2024 saw several nations make remarkable strides in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, from legalising same-sex marriage to eliminating discriminatory practices in blood donation policies. Here’s a roundup of the key developments:
Honduras
In November, Honduras overturned its ban on LGBTQ+ blood donations, allowing men who have sex with men to donate blood for the first time.
Germany
The German parliament passed the Self-Determination Act, enabling trans and non-binary individuals aged 14 and above to change their legal name and gender through a simple declaration at the registry office.
Curaçao
Same-sex marriage was officially legalised in Curaçao after the Netherlands’ supreme court ruled in favour of marriage equality on the Dutch Caribbean island.
Denmark
Denmark eliminated the four-month deferral period for blood donations from men who have sex with men, applying the same donation criteria to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.
Czechia
In July, gay and bisexual men in Czechia gained the right to donate blood, marking a significant policy shift.
Latvia
Latvia implemented a new civil union law on 1 July, granting same-sex couples certain legal rights, including tax benefits and hospital visitation, though marriage remains restricted to opposite-sex couples.
Namibia
Namibia’s High Court declared that laws criminalising consensual same-sex activity were unconstitutional, effectively legalising such relationships.
Mexico
Mexico made significant advances by banning conversion therapy nationwide, with practitioners facing up to six years in prison. Additionally, the states of Tabasco and Baja California legalised same-sex adoption, while Yucatán approved self-ID laws for trans individuals.
Greenland
Greenland enacted the Law on Equal Treatment and Anti-Discrimination, which prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and related characteristics.
Peru
Peru’s health ministry reinforced its prohibition of conversion therapy, reminding doctors of their obligation to avoid the practice.
Bermuda
In May, Bermuda lifted restrictions on blood donations from men who have sex with men, subject to certain criteria.
Dominica
Dominica’s High Court struck down a colonial-era law that criminalised consensual same-sex activity, effectively legalising it.
Lesotho
The Southern African nation of Lesotho outlawed discrimination and harassment based on gender and sexual orientation in its Labour Code.
Estonia
On 1 January, Estonia became the first former Soviet republic to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption, following legislation passed in 2023.
Portugal
Portugal banned conversion therapy in March, and trans and non-binary individuals gained the right to serve openly in the military at the start of the year.
Greece
In Greece, LGBTQ+ discrimination was outlawed, and both same-sex marriage and adoption were legalised.
The Netherlands
Blood donations from men who have sex with men became legal at the start of the year, marking another progressive step for the Netherlands.
The progress achieved in 2024 demonstrates the growing global recognition of LGBTQ+ rights as fundamental human rights. From ending outdated blood donation bans and banning harmful practices like conversion therapy to expanding marriage and adoption rights, these milestones reflect a collective movement toward equality. While challenges remain, these advancements inspire hope and underscore the importance of continued advocacy to ensure dignity, inclusion, and justice for all LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide.
