Gay rights movement, also called
homosexual rights movement or
gay liberation movement, civil rights movement that advocates equal rights for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons; seeks to eliminate sodomy laws barring homosexual acts between consenting adults; and calls for an end to discrimination against gay men, lesbians, and transgender persons in employment, credit, housing, public accommodations, and other areas of life.
Gay rights prior to the 20th century
Religious admonitions against sexual relations between same-sex individuals (particularly men) long stigmatized such behaviour, but most legal codes in Europe were silent on the subject of homosexuality. The judicial systems of many predominantly Muslim countries invoked Islamic law (Sharīʿah) in a wide range of contexts, and many sexual or quasi-sexual acts including same-sex intimacy were criminalized in those countries with severe penalties, including execution.
New Consulting Office for Immigrants in Iceland From left: MP Kolbeinn Óttarsson Proppé, Joanna Marcinkowska, project manager of New in Iceland, and Minister of Social Affairs Ásmundur Einar Daðason, at the formal opening of New in Iceland. Photo/Ministry of Social Affairs Vala Hafstað
At the office, immigrants can get assistance regarding their rights and duties while living in Iceland. Counselors offer information and advice, and the office cooperates with key institutions and organizations.
Information is provided regarding the labor market, healthcare system, education, social insurance, legal registration, the housing market, domestic violence, social assistance, taxation, financial issues, family-related issues, and more.