LGBT rights in New Zealand
New Zealand lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are some of the most extensive in the world. The protection of LGBT rights is advanced, relative to other countries in Oceania, and among the most liberal in the world, with the country being the first in the region to legalise same-sex marriage.
LGBT rights in New Zealand | |
|---|---|
New Zealand | |
| Status | Male legal since 1986, female always legal |
| Gender identity | Transgender people allowed to change legal gender |
| Military | Gay, lesbian, and bisexual people allowed to serve |
| Discrimination protections | The Human Rights Act 1993 covers sexual orientation and gender identity/expression |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | Civil unions since 2005 Same-sex marriage since 2013 |
| Adoption | Full adoption rights since 2013 |
Throughout the late 20th century, the rights of the LGBT community received more awareness and male same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in 1986, with an age of consent of 16, equal to heterosexual intercourse. After recognising gender-neutral civil union since 2004, New Zealand legalised both same-sex marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples in 2013. Discrimination regarding sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression has been banned since 1993. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual people have been allowed to serve openly in the military since 1993. Opinion polls have found that a majority of New Zealanders support same-sex marriage.