Recognition of
relationships No | Adoption None | |
 | ||
Same-sex sexual activity legal? Legal since 1989, equal age of consent since 2005 Military service UK responsible for defense (Since 2000) Discrimination protections Yes, sexual orientation only | ||
The situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the Falkland Islands is ambiguous, because of the isolation of the islands and a lack of information provided by the islands' media on LGBT people or LGBT rights issue.
Contents
Law regarding same-sex sexual activity
Prior to 1989, same-sex sexual activity was a criminal offence. The age of consent was equalised in 2005.
Recognition of same-sex relationships
The Falkland Islands does not recognise any types of same-sex unions.
On 13 May 2015, the Attorney General has recommended the Executive Council to consider the legalisation on same-sex marriage or civil partnership.
On 13 January 2016, following the public consultation, the Council instructed the Attorney General to prepare the amendment to the Marriage Ordinance in order to allow same-sex marriage. On 22 February 2017, the Executive Council was considering whether to approve a bill to legalise same-sex marriage and create civil partnership for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples and instruct the Attorney General to publish it in the official gazette thereby commencing the legislative process as first reading, as well as to prepare further legislation necessary to its implementation.
Adoption and family planning
It is confirmed that same-sex couples are not allowed to adopt in the Falkland Islands.
However, whether lesbians are allowed access to IVF remains unknown.
Discrimination protections
The article 16 of the constitution bans discrimination based on sexual orientation.