Latvia

Sexual acts between persons of the same sex are not illegal in Latvia. Criminalization of consensual sexual acts between adult men was repealed in 1992 just after Latvia regained independence from the USSR. The age of consent is 16 for all sexual acts. Relationships between persons of the same-sex are not legally recognised in Latvia. Moreover, same-sex marriage in banned by the Civil Code (since 1991) and the Latvian Constitution now defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman (since 2005). The 1999 proposal for a law on registered partnership for same-sex partners introduced at the Latvian parliament was rejected at the Committee stage, even before plenary debate. Sexual orientation discrimination in employment is banned since 2006. Latvia was the last member of the European Union to introduce such ban as required by the EU. Initially the Latvian parliamentarians deleted sexual orientation from the Labour Law. The President of Latvia refused to sign their decision and sent it back for reconsideration. While there is increasing visibility of gay community and social acceptance of homosexuality in Latvia, some public opinion polls remains relatively negative. The Church takes a leading role in anti-gay sentiment. Cardinal Janis Pujat described homosexuality as an "unnatural form of prostitution that must not be ennobled by such things as a gay marriage". In his opinion, EU-membership has sexualized society and homosexuals are now taking advantage of that. He called on his fellow countrymen to demonstrate against the 2007 Parade, which approximately 100 of them did. A few days later, 500 people attended the demonstration and nobody was injured, although one should add that the police completely shielded the demonstrators, who were evacuated in buses at the end. Amnesty International and various members of the European parliament support the Latvian gay movement and hence the country's democratization, as democracy not only means that the majority decides, but that minorities are also respected! In Latvia you will discover a wealth of fascinating history, culture and nature. While the gay life and gay rights are still being built and fought for - you also can be part of this important development by visiting Latvia.