May 25, 2025 10:13 am
Full News

Global LGBTQ News 2024: Key Developments Shaping the Year

Nafis Sadique Shatil

The year 2024 has been marked by significant milestones and challenges for LGBTQ communities worldwide. From legal advancements to disheartening crackdowns, here are the top stories that shaped the year.

  1. Criminalization Efforts in Africa

In a concerning trend, multiple African nations moved to tighten or introduce anti-LGBTQ laws. Ghana’s parliament passed the controversial Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill on February 28, aiming to criminalize allyship alongside homosexuality. Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo delayed signing the bill, pending a Supreme Court decision.

Elsewhere, Burkina Faso’s Justice Minister Edasso Bayala announced the criminalization of consensual same-sex relations on July 10, while Mali’s Transitional National Council approved a draft penal code on October 31, further intensifying anti-LGBTQ sentiments.

Despite these setbacks, hope emerged from Dominica, where the High Court of Justice on April 22 struck down a colonial-era law banning consensual same-sex relations. However, legal challenges to sodomy laws in St. Vincent and the Grenadines failed when the top court dismissed two cases on February 16.

  1. Marriage Equality Gains Momentum

2024 saw significant progress in marriage equality, with Greece, Liechtenstein, and Estonia extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved a historic marriage equality bill on September 24, set to take effect on January 22, 2025. Meanwhile, Liechtenstein’s law will take effect on New Year’s Day.

The Dutch Supreme Court also ruled on July 12 that Aruba and Curaçao must recognize same-sex marriages. However, progress faced resistance in the Czech Republic, where lawmakers rejected a marriage equality bill in February.

  1. LGBTQ Political Leaders Rise

LGBTQ representation in politics made headlines. In South Africa, lesbian activist Steve Letsike secured a parliamentary seat on May 29 and was later appointed to the Cabinet by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In France, Gabriel Attal became the country’s first openly gay prime minister on January 9 but resigned in July after a parliamentary loss. Ireland bid farewell to Leo Varadkar, its first openly gay prime minister, who resigned on March 20 after serving since 2017.

  1. Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Triumphs Amid Controversy

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won Olympic gold in the women’s 66-kilogram category on August 10, but her victory was overshadowed by questions surrounding her gender. Khelif, who was born female, faced baseless allegations that she was a man. The International Olympic Committee firmly rejected these claims.

After the Olympics, Khelif filed a criminal complaint in France against JK Rowling and Elon Musk, accusing them of aggravated cyber harassment.

  1. Mexico Bans Conversion Therapy

In a landmark move, Mexico banned conversion therapy, a controversial practice aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The Senate passed the bill on April 25 with a decisive 77-4 vote. Practitioners now face two to six years in prison and fines.

Mexico joins countries like Canada, Germany, Brazil, and New Zealand in outlawing the harmful practice.

  1. Germany’s Gender Self-Determination Act

Germany simplified the process for transgender and nonbinary individuals to change their legal name and gender with the Gender Self-Determination Act. Approved by the Cabinet on August 21, the law took effect on November 1, marking a step forward for trans rights in Europe.

  1. Russia Escalates Anti-LGBTQ Crackdowns

Russia intensified its crackdown on LGBTQ communities in 2024. President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning adoption by individuals from countries that allow gender transition. Authorities raided LGBTQ-friendly nightclubs in Moscow and Yekaterinburg in October and November, coinciding with National Coming Out Day events.

  1. Pope Francis’ Inclusive Outreach

Pope Francis continued his outreach to LGBTQ Catholics. On October 12, he met with transgender and intersex Catholics at the Vatican, an event organized by Sister Jeannine Gramick of New Ways Ministry.

Francis also reiterated his support for blessing same-sex couples, though not their unions. However, his declaration on March 25 condemned gender-affirming surgeries and “gender theory,” reflecting the complexity of his stance.

  1. LGBTQ Israelis and Palestinians Amid Conflict

The aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack highlighted the struggles of LGBTQ Israelis and Palestinians. Advocacy groups like Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance and the Israeli Transgender Association provided mental health and housing support for those affected.

Activist Rain Doe Dubilewski, who helped evacuate over 300 individuals from Gaza, lamented the lack of lasting resources for queer Palestinians, describing efforts as “like pouring water into the desert.”

  1. Trump’s Re-Election Alarms LGBTQ Advocates

Donald Trump’s re-election in November sparked global concern among LGBTQ activists. His administration’s past policies, including the transgender military ban and rollback of protections, have left many fearing the erosion of global LGBTQ rights.

Frank Mugisha, head of Sexual Minorities Uganda, expressed fears over diminished support for LGBTQ human rights. Maria Sjödin, Executive Director of Outright International, emphasized the need for vigilance in defending democratic norms and fundamental freedoms.

Conclusion

The year 2024 reflected the resilience and challenges of the global LGBTQ community. While many strides were made, the fight for equality remains a complex and evolving battle.

Related News
Is Yunus supporting India? Is crusade against India over?
Israel Strikes Beirut Suburbs After Issuing Evacuation Warnings
Myanmar Junta May Gain Diplomatic Advantage from Devastating Earthquake
Opposition Leader in Iran to Be Released After 14 Years of House Arrest
China Praises US Firms Amid Trade War Fears as Trump Threatens New Tariffs
Wicked Director Jon M. Chu Lines Up Surprising New Film
Related Posts
Largest Prisoner Exchange of the Russia-Ukraine War: 307 Released on Second Consecutive Day
Gaza Faces Famine Risk Amid Aid Shortages
India has the right to self-defense against terrorism: Germany
Thousands Still Cut Off as Floods Devastate Parts of Australia
Trade Will Be Based on Respect, Not Threats”: EU Responds to Trump
Shipwreck off Myanmar Coast: Fears Over 400 Rohingya Dead
More News

Biden Administration Enacts Sweeping Sanctions on Russia’s Oil Sector and ‘Shadow Fleet’

In a significant escalation of economic measures against Russia, the Biden administration announced on January 10, 2025, what is described as the most severe sanctions yet on Russia’s oil and gas industry. As President Joe Biden’s term winds down, these sanctions target two of Russia’s largest oil companies, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, alongside a vast […]

CPM Urges Bangladesh to Ensure Minority Safety, Compares Fundamentalist Forces to Hindutva Groups in India

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) has raised alarms over the rising threat to minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus, citing ongoing incidents that jeopardize their safety. In a press statement issued on November 28, 2024, the CPM Polit Bureau expressed concern over the growing activities of fundamentalist forces in Bangladesh, which are working to […]

Bangladesh is Strategically Important, Must Stay Together: Indian Army Chief

Bangladesh is strategically important to India, remarked the country’s Army Chief, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi. He emphasized, “We must stay together and avoid actions that negatively affect our relationship.” He made these comments during the Indian Army’s annual press conference on Monday (January 13), as reported by The Times of India and The Hindu. The […]

Kid Rock: Hollywood Now Supports Trump Without Hesitation

Kid Rock has reflected on the changing atmosphere in both Washington, D.C. and Hollywood, noting a growing embrace of former President Donald Trump among celebrities. Speaking on Fox & Friends Weekend, Kid Rock highlighted the shift in Hollywood’s stance, saying that support for Trump is becoming more visible and less hesitant. He remarked, “Now they […]

Final Destination: Bloodlines Gets Earlier UK Release Date

The upcoming Final Destination: Bloodlines horror film will now hit UK cinemas two days earlier than originally planned. While the film was initially scheduled for a May 16 release in both the UK and the US, it will now debut in the UK on May 14. Bloodlines marks the sixth installment in the Final Destination […]

‘Jurassic Park’ Ending Change Finally Explained After 32 Years

More than three decades after Jurassic Park first roared onto screens, screenwriter David Koepp has shed light on one of the film’s most significant departures from Michael Crichton’s original novel — the fate of John Hammond. In Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster, Hammond, played by Richard Attenborough, escapes the island alongside his grandchildren. But in Crichton’s […]

Indian Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Challenges Mark Zuckerberg’s Misinformation on 2024 Lok Sabha Election Results

In a significant moment spotlighting the intersection of technology, politics, and misinformation, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has publicly corrected a factual error by Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, concerning the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India. This correction came after Zuckerberg, speaking on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” erroneously suggested that incumbents […]

US Urges India to Work with Pakistan to Ease Kashmir Tensions

Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead. The situation has raised fears of a potential military conflict, with Indian intelligence reportedly suggesting the possibility of an attack on Pakistan. In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged […]

Australia’s Labor Bill May Lead to Extended Migrant Detention, Committee Warns

Concerns raised over delays in deportations and punitive visa conditions for non-citizens. A bipartisan human rights committee has cautioned that the Albanese government’s proposed migration bill could result in prolonged detention for non-citizens before deportation to third countries willing to accept them. The bill also faces criticism for reintroducing controversial measures such as ankle bracelets […]

Jackie Chan’s New Movie First Look Revealed

Jackie Chan’s latest action film, The Shadow’s Edge, has officially wrapped its principal photography. Directed by Chinese filmmaker Larry Yang, the film began shooting in October 2024 in Macau. The Shadow’s Edge marks the second collaboration between Chan and Yang, following their successful partnership on Ride On. Released in more than 30 countries, Ride On […]