A gay guide to the best bars, clubs, events and hotels in the state of Tuscany.

Step-child adoptions for same-sex couples are recognized by Italian courts since June 2016, under the law 184/1983. 
 
On November 20th, 2023, the Juvenile Court ruled that gay couples can be foster parents.

The ability for same-sex couples to legally adopt a child.

Some courts have recognized foreign joint adoption. Some receptions are also made for step-children. Gay adoption legalizing pending.

The couple applying for adoption must be a married, different sex couple.  Custody has been granted to a same-sex parent on the basis of the "child's best interest," but this is very rare.

The difference between legal age of consent for homosexual sex and heterosexual sex.

Italy uses a risk-based donor selection system that treats MSM and heterosexual partners equally. 

The ability for MSMs (men who have sex with men) to donate blood or tissue for organ transplants. A deferral period refers to a waiting time before a man can donate after having sex.

Italy legalizes blood donations as Health Minister lifts blood ban.  However, Italy still denies men who engaged in "risky behaviors"

The Italian Health Minister Umberto Veronesi lifted the gay blood ban in 2001.

In Italy, there are no laws restricting to discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.

Censorship or prohibition of discussing, promoting, or teaching LGBTQ+ topics in media, schools, and in the general public.

A Supreme Court decision overruled the surgery requirement to change one's legal gender.

Legal recognition of sex reassignment by permitting a change of legal gender on an individual's birth certificate.

Not banned by the law. However, the national psychological association officially stated in 2013 that conversion therapy goes strictly against its code of ethics and therefore is not allowed.

Legal status of conducting sexual orientation changing therapy ("ex-gay" therapy)

In Tuscany, Piedmont, Liguria, Marche, Umbria, Sicily and Emilia-Romagna discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is banned

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

On 15 January 2023, a court in Rome ruled against a school who had fired a trans professor due to her gender identity, claiming that it amounted to sex discrimination.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment, including hiring, promotion, termination, harassment, etc.

Discrimination protection is afforded on the grounds of sexual orientation

No laws against homosexual relationships anywhere in Italy's Penal Code

Consensual sexual activity between individuals of the same sex.

In Piedmont, housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is forbidden.

Prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity when applying for housing or discrimination by landlords / property owners.

Italy's parliament has backed same-sex civil unions. MPs in the lower house voted 372-51 for the government, ensuring that the civil unions bill will become law. Under Italian law a same sex couple in a civil union have all the of the rights and the obligations of marriage except for the right to jointly adopt a child.

Marriage and marriage recognition between two people of the same biological sex and/or gender identity.

Some symbolic civil unions are recognized in select regions though no full and meaningful recognition is given.

Until 1986, "sexual deviance" was a reason for exclusion for military service. At that time, some men claimed to be homosexual to avoid the draft. Lesbians have never been banned from the Italian military since women were first allowed to serve in 2000. Since 2010, discrimination against gays and lesbians in military service is banned, but the situation for transgender people is unclear. The organization Polis Aperta estimates that 5 to 10% of Italians in uniformed service (military or police) are LGB. Despite the ban on discrimination, some service personnel unfortunately face harassment or violence because of their sexual orientation. Unfortunately transgenders have not yet gained the right to military service in Italy 

The ability for homosexuals to serve in the military and be open about their sexuality.

Until 1986, "sexual deviance" was a reason for exclusion for military service. At that time, some men claimed to be homosexual to avoid the draft. 

Italy does not yet legally recognize non-binary identities. 
 
However, a breaking decision on March 7, 2022, had the Italian court rule in favor of a non-binary person to have their gender recognized. 
 
They are currently the only example of this recognition.

Legal recognition of non-binary, genderqueer, or third gender identities.

Italy

Florence is one of the world's most intimate and romantic Cities. Boasting some of the most impressive architecture, galleries and cathedrals; it's a must-visit destination for any travelers looking to experience unique cultural heritage.

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Gay Tuscany

Gay Tuscany Guide 2024 - gay bars, clubs, saunas & more

Tuscany

The historic disco pub in the heart of Pisa for LGBT people and friends! It's the main gay bar in town and it's worth a visit. You could talk about who screwed up that leaning tower.

Castigo

The historic disco pub in the heart of Pisa for LG...

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