LGBT rights in Norway

Norway, like most of Scandinavia, is very liberal in regard to gay rights and also became the first country in the world to enact an anti-discrimination law protecting 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In 1972 Section 213 of the Penal Code, which prohibited sexual acts between men (but not women) was repealed.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 in 1964. Following the repeal, the age of consent became equal at the same time of legalization at 16, regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation. In 1981, Norway became the first country in the world to enact a law to prevent discrimination against homosexuals.

Military status

Homosexuals can serve openly in the Armed Forces.

Recognition of same sex couples

Gender Neutral Marriage and Civil unions are allowed in Norway. Married couples are permitted to adopt under Norwegian law. Stepchild adoption is allowed for couples. For lesbians artificial insemination is perfectly legal and is paid for by the state. In 2004 a bill was introduced to make the current marriage law gender neutral but this was rejected by the Norwegian Parliament. After the centre-left coalition won the 2005 elections they started working on a gender neutral legal definition of marriage. This new law was accepted by the lower house of parliament with 84 yes-votes and 41 no-votes on the 11th june, 2008. There was some uncertainty as to whether the upper house would sanction this, but the new law passed the final upper house vote with 26 votes against 14. The majority of MP's in the Socialist left party, Labour party, Centre party, Liberal party and the Conservative party voted for the law. All the MP's from the Christian democrats and the Progress party voted against. The law was finally sanctioned by the king and it was decided to be put into effect on Jan. 1st, 2009. From this date, no new registered partherships may be created, but already existing ones will be allowed to keep their status, or they may be "upgraded" to full martial status. Same-sex couples will have exactly the same rights that are offered to heterosexual couples.

Gay life in the country

There is a fairly-sized gay scene in Oslo. Most of Norway is very gay-friendly, an example can be found in Norway's socially liberal Nordland County, where churches are seen to fly rainbow flags.

Summary table

Homosexuality legal	(since 1 March 1972)
Equal age of consent	(since 1 March 1972)
Anti-discrimination laws in employment	(since 1 March 1982)
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services	(since 1 March 1982)
Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech)	(since 1 March 1986)
Same-sex marriage(s)	(from 1 January 2009)
Recognition of same-sex couples	(from 1 January 2009 the relationships registory will be repealed)
Both joint and step adoption by same-sex couples	(from 1 January 2009)
Gays allowed to serve in the military	(since 1 September 1994)
Right to change legal gender	(since 1 July 2000)
Access to artificial insemination/IVF for women married to or in stable relationships with women	(from 1 January 2009)
MSMs allowed to donate blood

See also

• Same-sex marriage in Norway
• Civil unions in Norway