LGBTQ Legal Status
The history of LGBT rights in Finland is often described as a "delayed catch-up" compared to its Nordic neighbors. While Finland was slower to decriminalize and legalize marriage than Sweden or Denmark, it has recently accelerated its reforms, culminating in a major overhaul of transgender rights in 2023.
Here is the historical overview of the legalization of homosexuality and gay rights in Finland.
Phase I: Criminalization & Silence (1889–1971)
For much of the 20th century, Finnish law was stricter than that of its neighbors, maintaining criminal penalties well into the 1970s.
1889: The Grand Duchy of Finland (under Russian rule) enacts a Penal Code criminalizing sodomy with up to two years in prison.
Post-Independence: After gaining independence in 1917, Finland retains the 1889 provision. Homosexuality remains a crime and a taboo subject.
1971: Decriminalization. Homosexual acts between consenting adults are decriminalized.
However, the law included a "poison pill" similar to the UK's Section 28: The Ban on Promotion. It remained illegal to "publicly encourage indecent behavior between members of the same sex." This effectively silenced media coverage and prevented LGBT organizations from operating openly.
The age of consent was also unequal: 18 for same-sex acts, but 16 for heterosexual acts.
Phase II: Removing the Stigma (1971–2001)
This era focused on removing homosexuality from the medical books and equalizing the basic laws of society.
1981: Declassification as Illness. The National Board of Health removes homosexuality from its list of mental disorders (interestingly, this happened shortly after a similar move in Sweden, but sexual orientation remained classified as a "disorder" in the military until later).
1995: The Penal Code is amended to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.
1999: Age of Consent Equalized. The Parliament finally removes the discriminatory age of consent provisions, setting it at 16 for everyone.
"Promotion Ban" Repealed: Crucially, the ban on "promoting" homosexuality is also repealed in 1999, finally allowing for open advocacy and education without fear of prosecution.
Phase III: The Partnership Era (2002–2016)
Finland followed the "Nordic Model" of first creating a separate legal status for same-sex couples before moving to full marriage.
2002 (March 1): Registered Partnerships (Rekisteröity parisuhde) come into effect.
This law granted same-sex couples similar rights to marriage (inheritance, immigration) but excluded them from adopting children and taking a common surname.
2006: Fertility Treatments. A new law confirms that lesbian couples (and single women) have the right to access assisted fertility treatments (IVF).
2009: Step-child Adoption. The law is amended to allow a person in a registered partnership to adopt their partner's biological child. (Joint adoption of external children remained banned).
Phase IV: Full Equality & Self-Determination (2014–Present)
The push for marriage equality in Finland was unique because it was driven by a Citizens' Initiative, a mechanism that allows the public to force parliament to vote on a law if they gather enough signatures.
2014: The Parliament votes to approve the "Tahdon2013" (I do 2013) Citizens' Initiative. It becomes the first citizens' initiative in Finnish history to be passed into law.
2017 (March 1): Same-Sex Marriage Enters into Force.
Registered partnerships are discontinued (existing ones remain but can be converted).
Joint Adoption: Full joint adoption rights are granted to married same-sex couples.
Couples can now share a surname.
2023 (April 3): Transgender Law Reform. A major new law on legal gender recognition comes into effect.
Self-ID: The requirement for a medical diagnosis and, crucially, the requirement to be sterilized or infertile is removed.
Adults (18+) can now change their legal gender by simple written application to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.
Historical Timeline
1889: Criminalization of homosexuality.
1971: Decriminalization (but "promotion" banned & unequal age of consent).
1981: Declassified as a mental illness.
1999: Age of consent equalized (at 16) & "Promotion Ban" repealed.
2002: Registered Partnerships introduced.
2006: Access to IVF/fertility treatment legalized.
2009: Step-child adoption legalized.
2017: Same-sex Marriage (and full adoption) legalized.
2023: Trans Law Reform (Sterilization requirement removed; Self-ID introduced).
