Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Law

Human Dignity Trust

The Human Dignity Trust is a British charity providing legal expertise to LGBT activists in countries where private, same-sex, consensual sexual activity is illegal. It supports strategic litigation and provides advice on reforming discriminatory laws. Its website has detailed global information about criminal laws regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, with a map, a history of LGBT criminalisation and a tool showing the status of criminal laws in Commonwealth jurisdictions. There is also a set of videos covering court cases, activists’ stories and related topics.

ILGA World Database

Global database covering the law relating to sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and sex characteristics. Available in English or Spanish, it outlines the legal framework in all UN member states, other states and sub-national jurisdictions; it also covers ratification of human rights treaties and UN human rights procedures, such as the Universal Periodic Review. Includes the text of laws and court decisions - usually in the original language - and links to UN documents and news reports. Has timelines and customisable maps, charts and graphs, as well as a comparison tool.

Office for Equality and Opportunity

The Office for Equality and Opportunity, formerly the Government Equalities Office, deals with UK equality policy. Its priorities include women's equality, LGBT+ equality, disability equality and socio-economic equality. Its website outlines the work of the organisation, including policy consultations. It also provides guidance, research publications and statistics.

GayLawNet

Australian website providing information, news and resources concerning the law as it affects gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex people around the world. Includes details of laws relating to children, discrimination, inheritance, partnership, property, sexual offences, superannuation and other topics in various jurisdictions around the world. There are also links to legislation, cases and news reports, some of which require subscription access.

ARDHIS - Association pour la reconnaissance des droits des personnes homosexuelles et trans à l’immigration et au séjour

ARDHIS is a French-based association which was founded in 1998 and campaigns for equal immigration rights for gay, lesbian and trans people. Its website provides information on the purpose of the body and its history, plus a small amount of legal information. The site is entirely in French.

OutRight Action International

Founded in 1990 to fill the gap between the international human rights movement and the gay rights movement, OutRight Action International (previously the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission) aims to advance the fundamental human rights of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, trans people, intersex people and people with HIV/AIDS. It combines traditional human rights techniques such as monitoring, documenting, advocating and public policy development with grassroots organising and supporting groups in developing countries.

Queensland Human Rights Commission

Website of the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC), the statutory body responsible for administering the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 in Queensland, Australia. The QHRC promotes equality of opportunity and deals with complaints that fall within the jurisdiction of the Anti-Discrimination Act. A selection of information brochures are provided on the site dealing with various aspects of discrimination including sexual harassment, age discrimination, gender identity, disability discrimination and racial and religious vilification.

One Archives

The One Archives, University of Southern California Libraries, holds the world's largest collection of published and unpublished LGBTQ+ material. Its website provides collection overviews and online catalogues, events information and news.

GLAD

GLAD is a New England based civil rights organisation working to end discrimination based on sexual orientation. There is background and historical information about GLAD. The 'rights and resources' section has legal guidance for the following states: Massachusetts; Connecticut; Maine; New Hampshire; Rhode Island and Vermont. This covers topics such as discrimination, employment, family law (marriage, adoption, child custody), hate crimes, sex laws and students' rights. There is also information on the rights of people with HIV.

Australian Human Rights Commission

Website of the Australian Human Rights Commission, a government body set up in 1986 to protect human rights and equal opportunities in Australia. The site describes the work of the Commission providing links to relevant legislation, details of its functions and powers and profiles of the Commissioners. Submissions on various issues to State Parliaments, Courts, Inquiries and the United Nations are made available in full text online.

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