3.2 2018 Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruling.3 Recognition of same-sex relationships.Panama is bound by international treaty obligations to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption by same-sex couples, following a 2018 Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruling.Ī constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage was approved by the National Assembly of Panama on October 29, 2019, but was withdrawn before the second vote and referendum required to bring it into force. The lawsuit sparked much debate in Panamanian society, prompting many public figures to announce their support for LGBT rights and/or same-sex civil marriage, including the Vice President, the First Lady and the Attorney General. In March 2017, a lawsuit to legalize same-sex marriage was filed with the Supreme Court. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Panama, but same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal benefits and protections available to opposite-sex married couples. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Panama may face legal challenges not experienced by non- LGBT residents. Change of legal gender allowed following sex reassignment surgery
