Belgium scores highly on ILGA's assessment of LGBTQ equality
An analysis of equality indicators places the country as the second best in Europe.
ILGA has released its latest annual report assessing LGBTQ equality across Europe, and Belgium has returned to second position on the ranking table - moving up from 3rd position in last year's report.
With an overall score of 85.31%, Belgium scored highly on all measures except that of Intersex Bodily Integrity - a weakness across all countries in Europe.
Belgium scored 100% on the measures of both Civil Society Space and Hate Crime & Hate Speech.
There is still room for improvement, but in comparison to other countries in Europe it appears that Belgium is helping to set the standard for LGBTQ equality.
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Belgium?
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Belgium? Let's take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
Is homosexuality legal in Belgium?
Homosexuality in Belgium was decriminalised in 1795.
Are there anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people in Belgium?
Yes, comprehensive anti-discrimination protections have been in place since 2003.
Is there Marriage Equality in Belgium?
Yes, Belgium embraced Marriage Equality in 2003.
Belgium was the second country in the world to embrace Marriage Equality. The Netherlands was the first.
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Belgium?
Ranking second on ILGA's annual rainbow report for LGBTQ equality in Europe is indicative that overall Belgium is a good place for queer people to live.
There is a strong, vibrant and visible queer community across the country.
While there are isolated incidences of homophobia and violence, overall it appears that the LGBTQ community in Belgium is protected and valued.
