LGBT rights in Denmark
Danish lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are some of the most extensive in the world. In 2023, ILGA-Europe ranked Denmark as the third most LGBT-supportive country in Europe. Polls consistently show that same-sex marriage support is nearly universal amongst the Danish population.
LGBT rights in Denmark | |
|---|---|
Location of Denmark (dark green) – in Europe (light green & dark grey) | |
| Status | Legal since 1933, age of consent equalized in 1977 |
| Gender identity | Transgender persons allowed to change legal gender without a diagnosis, hormone therapy, surgery or sterilization |
| Military | LGBT people allowed to openly serve in the Danish military |
| Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation and gender identity/expression protections (see below) |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | Civil unions since 1989 Same-sex marriage since 2012 |
| Adoption | Full adoption rights since 2010 |
In Denmark, same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1933, and since 1977, the age of consent has been equally set to 15, regardless of sexual orientation or gender. Denmark was the first country in the world to grant legal recognition to same-sex unions in the form of registered partnerships in 1989. On 7 June 2012, the law was replaced by a new same-sex marriage law, which came into effect on 15 June 2012.
Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation was entirely prohibited in 1996. Denmark has allowed same-sex couples to jointly adopt since 2010, while previously allowing stepchild adoptions and limited co-guardianship rights for non-biological parents. LGBT people are also allowed to serve openly in the Danish military. Like its Scandinavian neighbours, Denmark has become one of the most LGBT-accepting countries in the world, with recent polls indicating that a large majority of Danes support same-sex marriage and LGBT adoption. Copenhagen has frequently been referred to by publishers as one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, famous for its annual Pride parade. Denmark's oldest LGBT organization, LGBT+ Danmark, was founded in 1948, under the name Kredsen af 1948 (Circle of 1948).