LGBT rights in Panama
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Panama face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. 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. In March 2017, a lawsuit to legalize same-sex marriage was filed with the Supreme Court. 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. 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. A 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amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage was approved by the National Assembly of Panama on October 29, 2019, but was withdrawn before the second vote and referendum required to bring it into force. History The Guna people of northeastern Panama recognise a third gender. Such individuals as known as (literally like a woman; also spelt ). In Guna society, if a young boy begins showing a tendency to act female, the family naturally accepts