Latvia

The history of LGBT rights in Latvia is characterized by a stark divide between its Soviet past and its modern European present. While Latvia was one of the first post-Soviet states to decriminalize homosexuality, it spent the next two decades legally blocking same-sex marriage, only to recently introduce civil partnerships in 2024 due to intense pressure from its own Constitutional Court.

Here is the historical overview of the legalization of homosexuality and gay rights in Latvia.

Phase I: The Soviet Legacy (1940–1991)
During the Soviet occupation, Latvia was subject to the Soviet Penal Code, which harshly punished male homosexuality.

1934–1940: Before the Soviet occupation, under the authoritarian regime of Kārlis Ulmanis, the Penal Code (Article 275) punished "unnatural" acts, though enforcement varied.

1940–1991: Under Soviet rule, Article 124 of the Penal Code criminalized consensual sexual acts between men (sodomy) with imprisonment of up to five years.

There was no specific law criminalizing lesbianism, but women were often subjected to psychiatric "treatments."

The KGB frequently used Article 124 to blackmail dissidents or compromise foreign visitors.

Phase II: Independence & Decriminalization (1991–2005)
Upon restoring independence, Latvia moved quickly to shed Soviet laws to align with Western Europe, though social attitudes remained conservative.

1992: Decriminalization. Shortly after regaining independence, the Supreme Council of Latvia abolishes Article 124. Homosexual acts between consenting adults are decriminalized.

1999: Age of Consent Equalized. To align with Council of Europe standards, the discriminatory age of consent provisions are removed. The age of consent is equalized at 16 for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.

2005 (Constitutional Ban): As a preemptive move against the global trend of marriage equality, the Saeima (Parliament) amends Article 110 of the Constitution.

The amendment explicitly defines marriage as a "union between a man and a woman."

This effectively created a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage that remains in force today.

Phase III: The "Court-Driven" Turn (2006–2023)
For nearly 15 years, the political situation stagnated. Parliament repeatedly rejected civil union bills. Progress only resumed when the Constitutional Court stepped in, ruling that the state had a duty to protect all families, even if they couldn't marry.

2006: Discrimination based on sexual orientation is banned in employment (mandated by EU accession).

2015: Edgars Rinkēvičs, then Foreign Minister, comes out as gay on Twitter ("I proudly announce I am gay... Good luck to you all"). He was the first high-ranking politician in the former Eastern Bloc to do so.

2020 (November): The Landmark Ruling. The Constitutional Court rules that the government violates the Constitution by not providing "legal protection" and recognition to same-sex couples (specifically regarding parental leave).

The Court stated that while Article 110 defines marriage as man/woman, the concept of family is broader and includes same-sex partners.

2023 (May): Edgars Rinkēvičs is elected President of Latvia by the parliament.

He becomes the first openly gay head of state in an EU country.

Phase IV: The Partnership Era (2024–Present)
Following the court's ultimatum, the parliament finally acted, creating a legal framework for same-sex couples that stops short of marriage.

2023 (November): Parliament adopts the Partnership Act (Partnerības likums).

It allows two adults (regardless of gender) to register their partnership with a notary.

It grants rights regarding hospital visits, tax decisions, and social security.

Limitations: It is not called "marriage" and does not allow for adoption.

2024 (July 1): Civil Partnerships Enter into Force.

Same-sex couples can officially register their relationships for the first time in Latvian history.

2026 (Current Context): As of today (January 2026), the political climate remains polarized. In late 2025, conservative factions in parliament attempted to withdraw Latvia from the Istanbul Convention (which they claim imposes "gender ideology"), though President Rinkēvičs has blocked immediate withdrawal, creating a standoff between the presidency and the parliament.

Exercise caution in Latvia. Riga has a small underground LGBTQ scene. Riga Pride is held but faces opposition. Public displays of affection should be avoided. The country is slowly becoming more tolerant.

Mozaīka (Latvian LGBTQ organization)
Website: www.mozaika.lv

Riga Pride (Baltic Pride)
Website: www.balticpride.eu