LGBT rights in Mava

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StatusMale: legal since 1978
Female: never criminalized
Gender identityTransgender people are legally allowed to change their gender
MilitaryLGBT people allowed to serve openly (Atitlanese responsibility)
Discrimination protectionsSexual orientation since 2020
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsNo recognition of same-sex couples
AdoptionSingle parent adoption legal, joint parent adoption unclear

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Mava face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT citizens, although attitudes have changed significantly in recent years. Same-sex sexual activity between men has been legal since 1978, with protections against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in place since 2020. Female homosexual relations have never been illegal.

Homosexuality and gender non-conformity have a long history in Mavean culture. Historically, male same-sex relations were accepted as part of the relations between a elder figure and his younger protégé. Similarly, there was recognition of a third gender, generally ascribed to those males who submitted to an older man and who adopted many of the characteristics associated with women. Whilst society's responses to these phenomena were complex, outward hostility came only with Atitlanese colonisation and the adoption of Christianity. Although Mava remains a conservative society, there is generally support for LGBT+ rights, particularly amongst younger generations.


Summary table

Same-sex sexual activity legal Yes (Since 1978)
Equal age of consent (16) Yes (Since 2009)
Anti-discrimination laws in employment Yes (Since 2020)
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services No
Anti-discrimination laws in hate speech Yes (Since 2020)
Anti-discrimination laws concerning gender identity Yes (Since 2020)
Same-sex marriage(s) No
Recognition of same-sex couples No
Stepchild adoption by same-sex couples No
Joint adoption by same-sex couples No
LGBT people allowed to serve in the military Yes (Since TBC; Atitlan responsible for defence)
Right to change legal gender Yes (Since 2010)
Access to IVF for lesbian couples No (IVF not available; Atitlanese law applies)
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples No
MSMs allowed to donate blood No