LGBT rights in Estonia
| LGBT rights in Estonia | |
|---|---|
| Template:Map caption Template:Map caption | |
| Same-sex sexual activity legal? | Legal since 1992, age of consent equalized in 2001 |
| Gender identity/expression | - |
| Recognition of relationships |
No recognition of same-sex couples |
| Adoption | - |
| Military service | Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly |
| Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation protection in employment (see below) |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Estonia may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Estonia, but households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples.
Contents
Former laws against homosexuality
Homosexual sex, which was illegal in the Soviet Union, was legalised in Estonia in 1992. The age of consent is 14 years and was equalized for both homosexual and heterosexual sex in 2001.[1] Homosexuals are not banned from military service. There is no law against homosexuals.
Gender identity/expression
Recognition of same-sex relationships
The government has started working on a law which would allow same-sex couples to register their partnerships.[2]
Adoption and family law
Discrimination protections
As an obligation for acceptance into the European Union, Estonia transposed an EU directive into its own laws banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment from May 1, 2004. The Equal Treatment Act, in discussion as of 2008, will prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in areas other than employment, such as health care, social security, education and the provision of goods and services.[3]
Living conditions
There are several gay clubs in Tallinn. Pride parades have been organised since 2004. Elsewhere in Estonia, however, the sparse population means there is no gay scene.[citation needed]
Public opinion
A Eurobarometer survey published on December 2006 showed that 21% of Estonians surveyed support same-sex marriage and 14% recognise same-sex couple's right to adopt (EU-wide average 44% and 33%).[4]
Summary table
| Homosexuality legal |  (since 1992)
|
| Equal age of consent | (since 2001)
|
| Anti-discrimination laws | (in employment since 2004 and in other areas since 2008)
|
| Same-sex marriage(s) | 
|
| Recognition of same-sex couples as registered partnerships |
|
| Joint and step adoption by same-sex couples |
|
| Gay men and women allowed to serve openly in the military |
|
| Right to change legal gender |
|
| MSMs allowed to donate blood |
|
See also
References
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