LGBT rights in Norway
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Norway, like most of Scandinavia is very liberal in regards to gay rights and also became the first country in the world to enact an anti-discrimination laws towards homosexuals.
Protection based on sexual orientation in law
In 1972 Section 213 of the Penal Code, which prohibited sexual acts between men (but not women) was repealed. The law was last used some time in the late 1960’s. Following the repeal, the age of consent was 16 for both homosexuals and heterosexuals. In 1981, Norway became the first country in the world to enact a law to prevent discrimination against homosexuals.
Homosexuals can serve in the Armed Forces.
Recognition of same sex couples
Civil unions are allowed in Norway. Only married heterosexual couples are permitted to adopt under Norwegian law, but stepchild adoption is allowed for same-sex couples. In 2004 a bill was introduced to make the current marriage law gender neutral but this was rejected by the Norwegian Parliament. The current centre-left coalition is, however, working on a new, gender neutral, legal defintion of marriage.
Gay life in the country
There is a fair sized gay scene in Oslo. Most of Norway is very gay liberal, an example can be found in Norway's socially liberal Nordland County, where churches are seen to fly rainbow flags [1].
See also
External link
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