In Colombia most of the changes for LGBT citizens have happened within just the past decade. In 2016, Colombia became the 24th country in the world to allow full marriage equality and in recent years has put in place laws allowing same-sex adoption and anti-discrimination protections. This would appear to be the start of a upbeat story about LGBT life Gay Colombia. But looking and reading more deeply about this country that has only recently escaped fifty years of internecine civil war a mixed picture comes into focus intertwining sad and hopeful news.
With an area more than twice that of France Colombia has the second largest population in South America, after Brazil. Colombia has the third largest Spanish-speaking population in the world after Mexico and Spain. LGBT rights in Colombia have progressed since consensual homosexual activity was decriminalized in 1980. Law reforms in the 1990s equalized the age of consent at 14 for both homosexual and heterosexual sex. On 28 April 2016, the Constitutional Court legalized same-sex marriage.
Name: Colombia
Population: 44660000
Capital: Bogota - Pop. 6780000
Area: 1141748 sq. km/ sq. miles
Language: Spanish
Religion: Roman Catholic
Status of Homosexuality: Legal
Telephone Country Code: 57
Gay life in Colombia-Ancient and Modern
In 2016, despite great odds against the dominant Catholic tradition, Colombia became the 24th country in the world to allow full marriage equality. It was not a happy day for priests and their fervent followers but a joyous one for LGBT citizens.
Being Gay in Rural Colombia
Being gay in rural Colombia is legal as well as gay marriage. But macho homophobia is still deep in the culture so LGBT people have to act with discretion. There are activist organizations that continue to advocate against homophobia and strive for social equality. There are colorful Gay Pride parades and festivals every summer.
Colombia Gays Continue to Win Rights
Homosexuality has been legal since 1980. Same-sex marriage was approved in Colombia on 28 April 2016, when the Constitutional Court of Colombia ruled 6-3 vote that same-sex marriage was permissible under the Constitution. Acting immediately after the ruling the first same-sex marriage was performed in the country. Since 2007 the country has recognized same-sex unions as a viable condition.
