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Everything the Queen did to help the LGBT community
Today everyone is celebrating the Queen's 90th birthday so why not have a look back at the laws she's passed that have helped us.
Big Liz just hit 90 years old and not too long ago we were celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, another historic day in the monarchy.
Whilst celebrations are ripe today all across the UK, it's important to look at the laws she has passed and her effect on the LGBT community during her reign and lifetime. Although there is still a way to go, with Northern Ireland still being left behind regarding same-sex marriage and her role over common wealth countries where homosexuality is illegal.
We've compiled a list of every law the Queen has passed which goes as follows.
1967 - Decriminalization in England and Wales
Gay sex and relations were finally decriminalized in the UK and Wales, with Scotland remaining illegal until 1980.
1980 - Decriminalization in Scotland
The law to decriminalize homosexuality was finally passed throughout Scotland, making Great Britain sit on the same page.
1982 - Decriminalization in Northern Ireland
Our very own little country was last again to step up to the changing world and decriminalize homosexuality.
1994 - Age of consent lowered
The age of consent was finally lowered to 18. Edwina Curry fought for an equal consent age of 16 but was sadly defeated.
1998 - Discrimination Protection
The community was finally protected under the HRA (Human Rights Act) and has been the safety net for many legal cases since.
2000 - Equality in the armed forces
The military were forced to begin allowing LGBT members to join the military forces, including army, navy and air forces.
2001 - Age of consent lowered further in England and Wales
The age of consent was equal to that of heterosexuals, 16 years of age, in England, Scotland and Wales, with Northern Ireland joining in 2009
2002 - Adoption
The Adoption and Children Act allowed same-sex couples to finally adopt. England in 2002, Wales in 2005, Scotland in 2009 and Northern Ireland, last again, in 2013.
2003 - Civil Partnerships
Civil Partnerships where to be given as a substitute for marriages, giving nearly all the same rights a marriage would give.
2004 - Transgender rights
Transgender people were allowed to choose their gender and officially live by it legally
2006 - Discrimination
Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity were banned in the provision of goods, facilities, services, education and public functions.
2008 - Recognition as parents of IVF or donor
Same-sex couples where seen as the official parents of children conceived through IVF or donor services.
2011 - Civil partnerships in religious buildings
Churches and other religious buildings could allow civil partnerships but Northern Ireland is still to accept this law.
2014 - Same-sex marriage
Same-sex couples were allowed to be officially married in England, Scotland and Wales after years of fighting. Again, Northern Ireland does not accept this.
