Photos: How rights differ around the world
In the United Kingdom, same-sex couples cannot marry, but instead enter into what the government calls “civil partnership.” This legal relationship gives couples the same rights as married couples in areas such as tax and employment benefits.
PICTURED: Matt Lucas and Kevin McGee pose after their Civil Partnership Ceremony on December 17, 2006 in London, England. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
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From marriage to just being able to be open, human rights greatly differ across the globe. Here’s a quick a look at some very different perspectives.
In January 2010, the Associated Press reported that Cuba was allowing for sex-change operations under the country’s universal healthcare system.
PICTURED: Cuban transgender Malu waits for friends at the Malecon waterfront in Havana, Cuba on May 29, 2009. (ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP/Getty Images)
In 1996, the U.S. Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act, which states that the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriages. However, some states do recognize same-sex unions via marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships.
PICTURED: Roby Chavez (L) hold hands with partner Chris Roe (R) during their wedding ceremony, officiated by Rev. Dwayne Johnson in Washington, DC on August 21, 2010 . Washington D.C. became the sixth place in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
In Morocco, it is illegal for people of the same sex to engage in “lewd or unnatural acts,” according to the country’s penal code. The punishment for breaking this law includes six months to three years in jail.
PICTURED: Porte de la Marine on May 11, 2009 in Essaouira, Morocco. (Manuel Cohen/Getty Images)
In Canada, the age of consent for straight men and women is 16. However, homosexuals must be 18 in order to consent.
PICTURED: The 25th Annual Pride Parade on June 26, 2005 in Toronto, Canada. (Donald Weber/Getty Images)
Sweden, one of the more recent European countries to legalize same-sex marriage, did so in 2009. Other countries include: Belgium (2003), Netherlands (2001), Norway (2009) and Spain (2005).
PICTURED: A Swedish couple celebrate, in what was then termed “registered partnership” in June 2001, prior to the legalization of same-sex marriage. (LARSERIC LINDEN/AFP/Getty Images)
76 countries punish homosexuality, five of which (Mauritania, Sudan, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Yemen) make homosexual acts punishable by death.
PICTURED: Storm clouds move in at dusk over Tehran, Iran. (Scott Peterson/Getty Images)
In Spain, individuals are free to undergo sex-change operations, but first need to receive approval from medical and psychological professionals. Transgenders can also change sex designation on legal documents without becoming transsexual if they so choose.
PICTURED: Participants take part in the Madrid, Spain Gay Pride march titled “For transgender equality” on July 3, 2010. (Dani Pozo/AFP/Getty Images)