Here are some of the key developments from across the world.
U.S. state legislatures introduce record number of bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights
The U.N. Human Rights Committee’s review into the state of human rights in the United States, the first in nine years, expressed concern “at the increase in the number of state laws that severely restrict the rights of persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
These have included efforts to prevents trans people from using bathrooms, or taking part in school or college sports that match their gender. After Republican-led legislatures passed a record number of bills limiting the rights of trans children in recent years, they have increasingly begun targeting trans adults.
Canada updated its advisory last August to warn LGBTQ+ people traveling to its southern neighbor that they could be affected by state and local laws.
Still, the number of bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights that actually passed in state legislatures in the first few months of 2024 was far lower than the same period last year, as The Washington Post reported in April, although LGBTQ+ activists remain cautious that the trend may not last.
A Post analysis of FBI data published in March found that hate crimes in schools have risen sharply in recent years, with the starkest impact in states where LGBTQ+ students face restrictive laws.
There have also been some developments to increase protections for gay and transgender people. In April, the Biden administration announced the reinstatement of federal rules that proponents say would protect gay and trans patients from being turned away in health-care settings as well as prevent health insurance policies from forcing LGBTQ+ people to wait longer or pay more for fertility benefits. The administration also finalized rules designed to prevent schools from discriminating against transgender students.
Several countries allow same-sex marriage
There were a number of firsts as more countries moved closer to marriage equality. According to the Human Rights Campaign, an American LGBTQ+ and civil rights advocacy organization, more than 30 countries now recognize same-sex marriage.
Estonia became the first Baltic country to allow same-sex marriage in June 2023. The decision, which came into effect on Jan. 1, expanded previous legislation that recognized same-sex marriages registered abroad, according to Human Rights Watch.
In February, Greece became the first Orthodox Christian-majority country to legalize same-sex marriage. Under the new law, same-sex couples are allowed to adopt children and married couples gain full parental rights — although they are still not allowed to use surrogacy. The Greek Orthodox Church remained opposed, however.
And in March, Thailand’s lower house of parliament overwhelmingly voted in favor of a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill must still be approved by the Senate and the king, but if passed, it would make Thailand the first country or region in Southeast Asia allow such unions, the Associated Press reported.
Russia calls LGBTQ+ movement ‘extremist’
In late November, Russia banned the “international LGBT public movement” and labeled it as an extremist organization — despite the fact that no such organized group exists. The Post reported at the time that the legal impact of the ruling was unclear, although it could force LGBTQ+ groups underground and could be used against individuals.
Several months later, the first public cases of people being punished under the ruling emerged. All reportedly centered on the use of the rainbow flag, which Russia’s Supreme Court had described as the “international” symbol of the LGBTQ+ “movement.” Two people were separately fined over the use of the flag on social media, and a judge ordered a woman who wore rainbow earrings to spend five days in jail, according to local media reports.
The Pope continues LGBTQ+ outreach but barriers remain
When Pope Francis became the head of the Catholic Church in 2013, he soon indicated his willingness to accept gay believers, famously saying: “Who am I to judge?” That sentiment has largely continued throughout his papacy. Late last year, the Vatican released guidance stating that transgender people can be baptized and serve as godparents, and later gave permission for Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples.
However, the church remains opposed to same-sex marriage and still teaches that homosexuality is “intrinsically immoral and contrary to the natural law.” Even within the church, opposition to the pope’s relatively more open stance on these issues remains.
The pope also made headlines this week after using a homophobic slur to refer to gay men during a closed-door meeting with bishops. The Vatican issued a rare apology after the incident made headlines.
Casey Parks Kelsey Ables, Robyn Dixon, Natalia Abbakumova, Anthony Faiola and Stefano Pitrelli contributed to this report.
