LGBT rights in Norway

Norway, like most of Scandinavia, is very liberal in regard to gay rights and also became the first country in the world to enact an anti-discrimination law protecting homosexuals.

Protection based on sexual orientation in law
In 1972 Section 213 of the Penal Code, which prohibited sexual acts between men (but not women) was repealed. The law was last used in 1964. Following the repeal, the age of consent became equal at the same time of legalization at 16, regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation. In 1981, Norway became the first country in the world to enact a law to prevent discrimination against homosexuals.

Military status
Homosexuals can serve openly in the Armed Forces.

Recognition of same sex couples
Gender Neutral Marriage and Civil unions are allowed in Norway. Married couples are permitted to adopt under Norwegian law. Stepchild adoption is allowed for couples. For lesbians artificial insemination is perfectly legal. In 2004 a bill was introduced to make the current marriage law gender neutral but this was rejected by the Norwegian Parliament. The centre-left coalition worked on a, gender neutral legal definition of marriage which was accepted by the parliament and put into effect. The bill passed parliament on June 11, 2008.

Gay life in the country
There is a fair sized gay scene in Oslo. Most of Norway is very gay liberal, an example can be found in Norway's socially liberal Nordland County, where churches are seen to fly rainbow flags.