UNITED STATES: The laws are different at the state and federal level. Civil unions are permitted in Vermont, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Connecticut while same sex marriages are recognised in New York, New Mexico and Rhode Island. The Supreme Court ruling in the 2003 Lawrence vs Texas case was a landmark judgment in the context of gay rights, with the majority holding that intimate consensual sexual conduct was part of the liberty protected under the Fourteenth Amendment.

DENMARK: Homosexuality legalised since 1933, with the equal age of consent set at 15 years in 1979. In 1989, it became the first country to legalise same-sex unions, also giving couples the right to adoption. Besides, Denmark prohibits any law or behaviour that discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation.

FRANCE: Considered tolerant in matters of private morality, incidents of homosexuals being burnt to death last occurred in France in 1750. Homosexuality is not a crime; the Civil Solidarity Pact enacted in 1999 affords legal protection and the rights of marriage to same-sex couples as also unmarried opposite-sex couples. Also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

SOUTH AFRICA: One of the first countries in the world to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, it also became in 2006 the first African nation and the fifth in the world to legalise same-sex marriages. Its equal age of consent is set at 16 years.

INDONESIA: Considered one of the most tolerant among Muslim nations, a homosexual relationship between consenting adults and behind closed doors is not a crime. Same-sex marriages or civil unions are, nevertheless, not recognised by law.

CHINA: Homosexuality was de-criminalised in 1997, with the age of consent fixed at 18 years. But same-sex marriages are still forbidden.

SAUDI ARABIA: Does not recognise the right to privacy nor does it prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. Homosexuality remains a crime of serious nature, and an indecent act under the Sunni Islamic notion of morality. Acts of homosexuality or cross-dressing can invite heavy punishment, extensive imprisonment along with severe lashing.

MALAYSIA: Homosexuality is a criminal offence, punishable under law, with imprisonment up to 20 years, fine and whippings. Heterosexual sodomy and cross-dressing are also treated as crimes. Politician Anwar Ibrahim, also the country’s former deputy prime minister, has been arrested twice and imprisoned for up to nine years on charges of having sexual relations with his male aides.