Women's/LGBTI Rights

In Germany women have been allowed to vote in elections since 1918. In 1958 they were allowed to work without the permission of their husband. Before 1974 it was illegal to have an abortion. Women have only been able to get a divorce with the same rights as men since 1977. Homosexuality was defined as a crime in Germany until 1994.

Homosexuality was defined as a crime in Germany until 1994. It was only in 1996 that women got the right to report their husband for raping them. In 2001 Germany introduced a registered civil partnership ("eingetragene Lebenspartnerschaft") for gay and lesbian couples. It included a variety of rights but not exactly the same rights as in a marriage. In 2006 Germany passed a general law against discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, gender, religion, belief or philosophy of life, disability, age or sexual orientation ("Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz", also known as the "Antidiskriminierungsgesetz"). This protection applies regardless of residence status. 
Since 2017, gay and lesbian couples can marry just like heterosexual couples, with equal rights, e.g. they are now allowed to adopt children.

You'll find an overview of important Women´s Rights, LGBTI Rights and information about the Antidiscrimination Law in Germany here.



Women´s Rights

 

LGBTI Rights

 

Antidiscrimination Law