Friday, July 9, 2010

Sexuality.

Gay Rights: World’s Top Gay Friendly Countries

Often we read in newspapers, incidents of torture and abuse of gay couples, leading to gay rights violations. About 80 countries in the world still consider homosexuality as a crime. In many of these countries, human rights violations have made it difficult for gays and homosexuals to lead normal life. They are often given harsh punishments and blamed for indecency and corrupting people’s morals. India legal news had reported how a gay couple in Malawi was sentenced for 14 years of imprisonment, by a Malawian court. However, there are several countries that have gay-friendly laws too.

Countries That Accept Gay Rights

Gay rights are protected in the following countries:
Netherlands
On April 1, 2001, Netherlands became the first nation in the world to promote gay rights, by legalizing same sex marriage. The country has granted full marriage and registered partnership rights for same sex couples. However, a same sex marriage is considered legal, only if one partner is a Dutch national.
Belgium

Belgium became the second country to take a measure to secure gay rights. In 2003, it legalized gay marriages. In 2006 it allowed gay couples, to adopt and co-parent their children.
Spain
In 2005, Spain bestowed full marriage rights to gay and lesbian people. The country just extended its existing marriage law. Simply a short sentence was added to the existing definition of marriage, “Marriage will have the same requirements and results when the two people entering into the contract are of the same sex or of different sexes.”
South Africa

South Africa became the first country in Africa to recognize gay rights. The South African government legalized the gay marriage in November, 2006. The Constitution of South Africa is considered to be one of the world’s inclusive constitutions. Interestingly, those marriage officers who are against gay marriage due to personal or religious beliefs shall submit a written request to be exempt for performing services.
Final Legal Take Away Tip: Most Asian countries are against homosexuality and gay rights.  Homosexuals are often subjected to extreme hatred, negativity. However, some Asian countries recognize gay rights and have active gay communities, such as Nepal, Thailand, China and Philippines.

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