June 03, 2025
LGBTQ+ rights remain far from equal around the world. As of 2025, only 38 of the 195 countries globally recognize same-sex marriage. While some nations are changing course — Liechtenstein and Thailand both legalized same-sex marriage this year — others are moving in the opposite direction, enacting discriminatory laws that target LGBTQ+ communities. In the United States, state-level lawmakers in Oklahoma are pushing to restrict transgender rights and challenge the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. Meanwhile in Uganda, the Constitutional Court last year upheld an anti-gay law – initially signed in 2023 – that includes the death penalty for certain homosexual activity, underscoring the legal challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face in certain countries across the globe.
More For You
Mastercard Economic Institute's Outlook 2026 explores the forces redefining global business. Tariffs, technology, and transformation define an adaptive economy for the year ahead. Expect moderate growth amid easing inflation, evolving fiscal policies, and rapid AI adoption, driving productivity. Digital transformation for SMEs and shifts in trade and consumer behavior will shape strategies worldwide. Stay ahead with insights to help navigate complexity and seize emerging opportunities. Learn more here.
Most Popular
Think you know what's going on around the world? Here's your chance to prove it.
President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation from the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S. Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.
Doug Mills/Pool via REUTERS
Less than one day after US President Donald Trump declared a military blockade of sanctioned oil tankers from Venezuela, he addressed the nation during a rare primetime speech – but didn’t talk about Venezuela.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn’t necessarily known as the greatest friend of Muslim people, yet his own government is now seeking to build bridges with Afghanistan’s Islamist leaders, the Taliban.
© 2025 GZERO Media. All Rights Reserved | A Eurasia Group media company.
