LGBT rights in Estonia

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Estonia may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Estonia, but households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples.

Law regarding same-sex sexual activity

Same-sex sexual activity, which was illegal in the Soviet Union, was legalised in Estonia in 1992. The age of consent is 14 years and was equalized for both homosexual and heterosexual sex in 2001. Homosexuals are not banned from military service.

Gender identity/expression

Recognition of same-sex relationships

The government has started working on a law which would allow same-sex couples to register their partnerships.

Adoption and family law

Discrimination protections

As an obligation for acceptance into the European Union, Estonia transposed an EU directive into its own laws banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment from 1 May 2004. The Equal Treatment Act, in discussion as of 2008, will prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in areas other than employment, such as health care, social security, education and the provision of goods and services., Fundamental Rights Agency, p.28

Living conditions

There are several gay clubs in Tallinn. Pride parades have been organised since 2004. Elsewhere in...
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