GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANS FINLAND

GLBT rights in Finland

Homosexuality is legal in Finland. The Law prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender and sexual orientation. It is possible for transsexuals to have a corrective operation provided by the state.

Gay and lesbian couples can register their relationship. The registration gives the spouses partly the same statutory rights as given to spouses in a heterosexual marriage. However, for now, Gay and lesbian couples do not have entitlement to a shared surname. The legal age limit in Finland is 16.

Discrimination and homosexuality in Finland

The situation of GLBT population is good in Finland, although there is a lot of regional variation. The legislation provides the same statutory rights and legal protection throughout Finland. Acts of discrimination and/or violence on the bases of sexual orientation or gender occur rarely.

Finland of GLBT travellers

Especially the biggest cities are safe for travellers. The Finnish bars and clubs aimed at a gay clientele are found in Helsinki, Tampere and Turku. Elsewhere, associations and communities, such as the member organisations of the nationwide Seta association, organise MyEvent events and other social events for minority groups.

Attitudes to minority groups vary throughout Finland. Even though the whole country is safe for the GLBT population, it is adviseble to maintain discretion in term of public expressions of affection when spending time outside the big cities.