Anti-discrimination
Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is prohibited in the area of employment.
Legal gender recognition of trans people
Latvia has administrative procedures to obtain legal gender recognition - however only after compulsory sterilisation.
Partnership recognition
Marriage between the persons of the same sex is banned by Article 35.2 of the Civil Code. Additionally, in 2005 the Constitution of Latvia has been amended to specify that the marriage in Latvia is only possible between a man and a woman.
Parenting rights
Neither joint nor second parent adoption is available to same-sex couples in Latvia.
Legislation on medically assisted insemination in Latvia is ambiguous and provides that medically assisted insemination is available ‘on request of heterosexual couple of a woman’. Therefore it appears single woman, including lesbian, can apply for medically assisted insemination.
Criminal law on hate speech/crime
Laws on hate and violence do not refer to sexual orientation or gender identity and do not recognise sexual orientation neither gender identity as aggravating factor.
Freedom of assembly/Pride events
Pride events have taken place with authorisation, however LGBTI public events have been banned in 2005, 2006, and 2009.
Criminal law on age of consent
The age of consent is equal for all sexual acts.
Asylum
Learn more about LGBTI asylum in Latvia in our asylum section.