The Spartacus International Gay Guide published its updated Gay Travel Index for 2016 today. The travel guide for the gay community, which has been published for over 40 years, has been providing information on the legal situation of gays and lesbians in more than 190 countries for many years. The editorial staff is in regular contact with the Federal Foreign Office, foreign embassies in Germany and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) activists from all over the world.

Winners of 2015 include Nepal (+50 ranks), Puerto Rico (+41 ranks) and Mozambique (+37 ranks). The new constitution in Nepal includes an explicit ban on discrimination against gays and lesbians. Puerto Rico (photo) adopts the so-called homosexual marriage as an Unincorporated territory of the USA and introduces far-reaching changes to the law on adoption. Mozambique, contrary to the general trend on the African continent, is legalising homosexuality.

USA: Historic decision of the Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court considers a ban on marriage between homosexuals unconstitutional and thus legalises gay marriage in all states in one go. The decision of the judges at a slight majority is not undisputed and is also a controversial issue among Republican candidates in the current presidential election campaign.

Deceptive Idyll: Maldives – Partner Country of ITB 2016

The Maldives are a beautiful destination with their impressive nature. But for homosexuals the situation is very precarious. Sharia law applies in practice, so gays can be sentenced to death, among other things. The Maldives are one of the few countries to actively and repeatedly oppose UN decisions on the recognition of LGBT rights. This was most recently done in an LGBT resolution of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which was adopted by a large majority.

Germany falls further behind

The important political discussion about the opening of marriage between homosexuals in Germany after the referendum in conservative Ireland and the Supreme Court decision in the USA ultimately did not lead to any political progress. Chancellor Angela Merkel continues to strongly oppose the extension of LGBT rights. The CDU is and remains the only party in the Bundestag that publicly resists the change of laws. As far as can be said at present, it will remain so for the foreseeable future. It is quite possible that other countries such as Switzerland or Portugal will pass Germany in the ranking.

Top and last positions remain unchanged

As in the previous year, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Russia, among others, are at the bottom of the Gay Travel Index 2016: Sweden ranks top, together with Great Britain, followed by Belgium, The Netherlands and France, which share second rank.

Please follow and like us: