Country Overview
Panama
At a glance
Same-sex Relations for Men Legal Throughout the Country?
Same-sex Relations for Women Legal Throughout the Country?
Legal Gender Recognition Possible?
LGBTI Orgs Able to Register?
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In Panama, same-sex sexual activity is legal as of 2008, but same-sex couples cannot marry or adopt. In March 2023, the Panama Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is not a human right. Religious groups and conservative lawmakers have historically opposed the recognition of the rights of LGBTIQ people. There are no laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, making LGBTIQ people particularly vulnerable to harassment, hate crimes and discrimination. Trans people can reportedly change their legal gender markers but only after undergoing surgery. There have been reports of police abuse against trans women, and the internal rules of the national police force state that homosexuality is a “grave offense.” LGBTIQ people also face social stigma and barriers in employment and healthcare. LGBTIQ activist groups in Panama work to promote acceptance and advocate for the rights of LGBTIQ people.
Global Impact
Sub-Saharan Africa
Outright supports LGBTIQ organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa and works with mainstream human rights organizations to respect human rights and influence positive changes in laws, policies, attitudes and beliefs that cause discrimination against LGBTIQ people.
United Nations
Our work at the United Nations centers around advocating for the advancement of the rights of LGBTIQ people.
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Our work in Asia promotes acceptance of sexual and gender diversity at all levels of society.
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In the Middle East and North Africa, we partner with local groups in various countries as part of our international solidarity work. We also work with our local partners on different topics through capacity building, advocacy, research and holistic security.
Europe and Central Asia
Outright International partners with activists to fight for an end to human rights violations based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in Europe and Central Asia, where most of our work involves emergency responses to harassment, discrimination, violence, and most recently, Russia’s brutal and expanded invasion of Ukraine.
Americas
Our work in the Americas continues to build on the fundamental and positive transformation of human rights protections in recent years. We partner with groups in the Caribbean that focus on ending gender-based violence and eradicating discrimination against trans people.
Pacific
Our work in the Pacific aims to increase the visibility of activists, respond to human rights emergencies, and actively bridge local, regional, and international activism to achieve equality and justice.
Global
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Human Rights Research
Since 1990, we have partnered with activists from all over the world to produce hundreds of groundbreaking reports.
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