Austria

Austria is no longer bringing up the rear in Europe where lesbian and gay rights are concerned. Various developments have been set in motion ever since the country joined the EU - not least of all owing to the latter's pressure. Discriminatory legal provisions have been done away with and been replaced by a new age of consent (16) for everyone. An anti-discrimination law has been passed. And ever since 1.1.2010, gays and lesbians have also been able to register their partnerships in Austria. Gay initiatives like the lesbian organization "RosaLila PantherInnen" intend to fight for complete equalization. The federal capital is also no longer alone in having a gay pride event (even if the Rainbow Parade does enjoy one of the most magnificent routes in the world, along Ringstrasse), having been joined by Innsbruck and Linz. And Kärnten hosts the annual Pink Lake Festival - a European gay community event. But Austria's towns and cities also provide congenial subcultural options besides these events. In fact, everything a gay tourist's heart desires can be found. Austria is first and foremost a country that makes visitors feel welcome and has a lot to offer them in cultural and scenic terms, with something for every taste. Most of all the Austrian cuisine and coffee houses are not to be missed.