This is a list of notable events in the history of LGBT rights that took place in the year 1999.
Events
U.S. state of
Nevada bans sexual orientation discrimination in the private sector.[1]
Ohio governor
Bob Taft rescinds a 1984 executive order by then-governor
Dick Celeste banning discrimination based on sexual orientation in the public sector.
San Jose, California, prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation in the private sector.
February
15 –
Stephen Brady and his partner Peter Stephens became the world's first officially acknowledged gay ambassadorial couple, when Brady, accompanied by Stephens, presented his credentials as Australia's Ambassador to
Denmark to Queen
Margrethe II of Denmark.[2]
28 – In the United Kingdom, The
Queer Youth Alliance is founded, the first such "youth-led" gay rights organisation.
March
29 – In New Zealand, immigration law changes approved by the cabinet in 1998 allow gay and lesbian couples the same rights as straight de facto couples applying for
permanent residency under the relationship category. Prior to the change, gay and lesbian couples spent twice as long waiting for residency than straight couples. Scott Fack and Noel Turner were the "poster boys" for this change through the gay media, including Express Newspaper and the
Queer Nation television show.
14 –
Iowa governor
Tom Vilsack issues an executive order prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the public sector.[4]
27 – The
European Court for Human Rights rules that the
United Kingdom's ban on gay military personnel is a breach of human rights, although the court does not have the power to unilaterally lift the ban.[5]
October
2 – California governor
Gray Davis signs three gay rights bills into law. The first outlaws harassment of homosexual students and teachers in the state's public schools. The second creates a new statewide
domestic partnership registry. The third outlaws job and housing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.[6]
13 – In France, the National Assembly grants unwed mixed- and same-sex couples the same rights as married couples.
15 – The Washington Times reports claims
George W. Bush ensured conservative supporters that he would not "knowingly" appoint any homosexuals as ambassadors or department heads in his administration if elected president.
15–17, First International Drag King Extravaganza, Columbus, Ohio.
9 – In light of the passage of
Amendment 2, the
Hawaii Supreme Court rules in Baehr v. Miike that it is no longer unconstitutional for the state not to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.[11]