LGBTQ rights in Suriname

LGBTQ rights in Suriname
StatusLegal since 1869, but the age of consent isn't equal[1]
Gender identityGender change is allowed. Court order required.
MilitaryNo
Discrimination protectionsYes, sexual orientation protections (see below)
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsNo recognition of same-sex couples
AdoptionNo

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Suriname may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Both male and female expressions of same-sex sexual activity are legal in Suriname. Since 2015, hate speech and discrimination in employment and the provision of goods and services on the basis of sexual orientation has been banned in the country. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognised by law. Nevertheless, Suriname is legally bound to the January 2018 Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruling, which held that same-sex marriage is a human right protected by the American Convention on Human Rights.[2]

While homosexuality tends to be viewed as a taboo topic, the situation and attitudes have slowly changed in recent years.[3]

  1. ^ "State-sponsored Homophobia: A world survey of laws prohibiting same sex activity between consenting adults" (PDF). 2020. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 December 2023.
  2. ^ "Inter-American Court endorses same-sex marriage". Agence France-Presse. Yahoo7. 9 January 2018. Archived from the original on 9 January 2018. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference parea was invoked but never defined (see the help page).