LGBT rights in Estonia

Laws against homosexuals

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. [ [http://209.85.135.104/search?q=cache:JN7-NbMLY6UJ:www.rklambda.at/dokumente/news/News-Estland-PA-010611.pdf+Homosexualit%C3%A4t+Estland&hl=de&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=de RKLambda] ] Homosexuals are not banned from military service. There is no law against homosexuals.

Protection based on sexual orientation in law

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. [ [http://fra.europa.eu/fra/material/pub/comparativestudy/FRA_hdgso_part1_en.pdf European Fundamental Rights Agency - Report on Homophobia] , p. 28]

Recognition of same sex couples

The government has started working on a law which would allow same-sex couples to register their partnerships. [ [http://www.epl.ee/artikkel/434315 Homopaarid saavad peagi kooselu seadustada] ]

Gay life in the country

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.

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%). [ [http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/index.cfm/fuseaction/viewItem/itemID/14203 angus-reid] ]

References