International human rights documents:
Belgium has signed but not yet ratified Protocol No. 12 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Belgium was a signatory to the 2007 UN Declaration on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. The Parliament of Belgium has endorsed the Yogyakarta Principles.
Criminal law:
Consenting same-sex sexual acts are legal.
The age of consent is equal for all sexual acts.
Anti-discrimination:
Discrimination on the basis on sexual orientation is prohibited in areas of social security, health care, social advantages, good and services.
Partnership recognition:
In Belgium same-sex couples are able to marry. It also provides registered cohabiting same-sex couples with a set of limited rights.
Parenting rights:
Same-sex couples are eligible to jointly apply for a child adoption and each other’s biological children.
Medically assisted insemination is available to lesbian couples.
Law on hate and violence:
Sexual orientation is included in the law on hate and violence, and is recognised as aggravating factor.