LGBT rights in the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is a British Crown dependency in the British Isles. This page summarises LGBT rights in the Isle of Man.

The Isle of Man was once known to be rather homophobic, as sodomy laws existed until rather recently in 1994, although they have since been abolished. Prior to September 1992, sodomy was illegal, then after decrimilization of sodomy (after the royal assent), the age of consent was set at 21 (in line with the UK at that time); then in 1997, the age of consent for male homosexual acts was lowered to 18. In 2006, the age of consent was lowered to 16, became gender-neutral for all sexual conduct (including sodomy); regardless of gender and/or sexual orientation. It is however an offence for anyone who is over the age of 18 to enter into a sexual relationship with someone aged 16 or 17 when in a position of trust over the young person. These provisions in law do not pose issue for LGBT rights.

Discrimination in the workplace
On 1 September 2006, the Isle of Man adopted legislation that outlawed the dismissal of employees on the grounds of their sexuality under the Employment Act 2006 (c.21). Isle of Man LGBT reports that the government at the time was "falling behind" in line with European Human Rights decisions.

Recognising same-sex relationships
Same-sex marriage is banned under the Marriage and Civil Registration (Amendment) Act 2011 (c.3). The bill for legalization passed all stages of both the House of keys and Legislative Council and was signed into law on March 15, 2011. The Civil Partnership Act 2011 (c2) took effect on April 6, 2011.

Adoption for people in same-sex relationships
Under the Civil Partnership Act 2011 (c.2), same-sex couples in the Isle of Man since April 6, 2011 are allowed equal access to full joint or step adoption in the same way as adoption for same sex couples is recognised in the United Kingdom - including England, Wales, Scotland, Jersey and Guernsey, but not Northern Ireland and Ireland.