LGBT rights in Liechtenstein

Law against homosexuality

Homosexuality was legalised in 1989, though the age of consent was not equalized until 2001. In 2001, the penal code was revised and all discrimination against gays was removed.

Protection based on sexual orientation in law

An anti-discrimination law that includes sexual orientation is currently being considered.

Recognition of same sex couples

There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples. In 2001 the Freie Liste, one of the three political parties in the country, worked on a draft for a same-sex partnership law. The paper was accepted by the Liechtenstein Parliament and given to the government to give a statement about it. The proposed Registered Partnership Bill was rejected by the Parliament in summer 2003. A new proposal by the Freie Liste was adopted by the Liechtenstein parliament with an overwhelming majority on 24 October 2007. The Liechtenstein government is expected to introduce a civil union law early 2008.

The penal code includes same-sex domestic partners in the definition of 'next of kin'.

Gay life in the country

A gay and lesbian organization, FLay, was founded in 1998 and organizes social activities for GLT people in the triangle Liechtenstein, Vorarlberg (Austria) and the Swiss Rhine Valley. [http://www.flay.li]

See also

* Civil unions in Liechtenstein