Country Overview
Cyprus
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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Partly because of its closer associations with the EU, Cyprus has progressed significantly in protecting the rights of LGBTIQ people in the last decade. Northern Cyprus was the last territory in Europe to decriminalize same-sex relations, and today, same-sex couples can be legally recognized through civil unions. In 2014, just over half of the people in Cyprus agreed with LGBTIQ civil unions. Employment discrimination based on sexual orientation is banned, but other types of discrimination against LGBTIQ people remain legal. In the past, Cyprus has censored LGBTIQ media content. The Greek Orthodox Church opposes the rights of LGBTIQ people and is a significant influence on politics and public opinion. Several civil society organizations are working to end violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ people in Cyprus. In 2014, Cyprus held its first Pride event, which has since been an annual celebration.
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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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.
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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.
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