Co-Chair
Remy Choo
Co-Chair
Ryan Coyle
LGBTQI+ Law Committee
The LGBTQI+ Law Committee tracks advancements and setbacks in various areas, including discrimination, criminalisation, family rights, recognition and status, identity, among others, and considers the legal implications of cultural and socio-economic issues related to LGBTQI+ interests.
The Committee aims to promote diversity and inclusiveness in the legal profession and society at large by presenting LGBTQI+ ideals and calling attention to legal matters and developments through its sessions, publications, projects and collaborations with other IBA committees, and external parties. The Committee welcomes LGBTQI+ individuals, and all allies and encourages all persons interested in our projects to join the Committee.
Forthcoming conferences and webinars View All Conferences
IBA Annual Conference Toronto 2025
02 Nov - 07 Nov 2025
Toronto , Canada
IBA Annual Conference Copenhagen 2026
04 Oct - 09 Oct 2026
Copenhagen , Denmark
Publications
The international legal framework of adoption rights of the LGBTQI+ community: status and key
For LGBTQI+ individuals or couples, adoption is a key mechanism to constitute a family. However, this possibility is legally limited across most jurisdictions worldwide through partial restrictions, ambiguous regulations, and outright bans. The timeline of LBGTQI+ adoption rights reflects a rapid legalisation process over the last three decades in most Western jurisdictions, yet there are still significant ongoing challenges. Ensuring that adoption laws and practices are aligned and reflect the principles of equality and non-discrimination is essential in upholding fundamental human rights.
Released on Apr 22, 2025
Thailand’s Marriage Equality Act: what comes next?
On 23 January 2025, Thailand enacted the Marriage Equality Act, granting same-sex couples the legal right to marry and positioning itself as a leader in LGBTQI+ rights in Southeast Asia. While this milestone represents significant progress, gaps remain in adoption rights, immigration laws, healthcare protection, and gender recognition for transgender individuals. Ensuring full equality requires further legislative reforms to address these issues. Thailand’s achievement serves as both an inspiration and a reminder that the fight for comprehensive rights continues.
Released on Apr 22, 2025
Conference report: International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference 2024
As the LGBTQI+ Law Committee Scholar, I had the privilege of attending the International Bar Association (IBA) Annual Conference in Mexico, where I attended multiple sessions related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), LGBTQI+ rights and immigration (the area in which I work). This report outlines some of the key sessions attended, critical takeaways and proposed next steps for ongoing collaboration and advocacy in these areas.
Released on Nov 07, 2024
New criminal laws legalise male rape in India
The article discusses the most recent debate relating to the new criminal laws enacted by the Indian government which legalise the offence of male rape.
Released on Sep 24, 2024
Subcommittees and other groups
The LGBTQI+ Law Committee also coordinates the activities of the following subcommittees/working groups.
- LGBTQI+ Law Committee Advisory Board
Join us on LinkedIn
If you are a member of the LGBTQI+ Law Committee, for additional networking opportunities, programs, interviews with fellow members and tips all exclusive to members, join our LinkedIn page at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9388311/.