LGBT rights in Lithuania
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Lithuania face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female expressions of same-sex sexual activity are legal in Lithuania, but neither civil same-sex partnership nor same-sex marriages are available, meaning that there is no legal recognition of same-sex couples.
LGBT rights in Lithuania | |
|---|---|
Location of Lithuania (dark green) – in Europe (light green & dark grey) | |
| Status | Legal since 1993, equal age of consent since 2003 |
| Gender identity | Allowed to change gender |
| Military | Gays, lesbians and bisexuals allowed to serve openly |
| Discrimination protections | Sexual orientation protections (see below) |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No recognition of same-sex couples |
| Restrictions | Same-sex marriage constitutionally banned |
| Adoption | No joint adoption by same-sex couples |
Negative attitudes against gay men and lesbians remain firmly entrenched throughout the country. Various public opinion polls have found very limited support for same-sex marriage, and opposition to same-sex marriage and homosexuality in general continues to be widespread in Lithuanian society. A GLOBSEC survey conducted in March 2023 showed that only 22% of Lithuanians supported same-sex marriage, while 60% were opposed and 18% were undecided. Only Bulgaria had lower support levels among EU countries.
There are small gay communities in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Panevėžys. Elsewhere in Lithuania due to sparse population in small towns and rural areas there are no active gay communities or organizations.
A media campaign against LGBT people was launched by the tabloid Respublika in 2004, and continued until 2006. About two-thirds of the country's MPs declared their hostility to LGBT people during the campaign.