Gay rights in Denmark

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Gay rights in Denmark have come very far, and the society is generally very tolerant of homosexuality. Generally, Enhedslisten, Socialist People's Party, the Social Democrats, and the Danish Social Liberal Party support gay rights with the right-wing more sceptical. The civil union law was, however, enacted during a conservative-led government periode, but only with the support from one of the government parties Danish Social Liberal Party.

[edit] Laws on homosexuality

Homosexuality was legalised in 1933. The age of consent is today equal with that for heterosexuals, 15 years. There is no law against homosexuals. Homosexuals are not banned from military service.

[edit] Protection based on sexual orientation in law

Danish law bans hate crimes, which includes crimes against people because of their sexuality.

[edit] Rights of same-sex couples

Denmark was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex partnerships, in 1989. The Danish parliament, Folketinget, has since then discussed same-sex marriage, artificial insemination of lesbians, and couples' rights to adopt several times. Homosexuals can adopt their partner's biological children. On June 2, 2006, a majority in Folketinget voted for abolishing a law that since 1997 had banned lesbians from insemination.

A December 2006 European Union member poll showed Danish support for same sex marriage at 69% [1]. Angus Reid Global Monitor conducted the poll for issues regarding European Union integration. With the attitudes in Europe regarding the legalization of Same-Sex Marriage; Denmark proved to be high on the list of possible nations that would grant marriage to Gay and Lesbian citizens. In third place behind The Netherlands (82%), and Sweden (71%); 69% of Danes believe Same-Sex Marriage should be legalized. With a polling number this high, along with a long history of progressive gay rights movements in Danish politics, including the Folketinget; it is recommended that Denmark be added to the list of nations currently debating the legalization of Same-Sex Marriage. If legalized, Denmark would be the first Baltic nation to allow this civil liberty. [2]