Recognition of same-sex unions in Myanmar

[1] On 18 November 2013, a man and a transgender woman were married in Mawlamyine, drawing "harsh criticism and threats in the local community and from authorities".

[3][4] The marriage was performed in front of 200 friends and family members, but lacks legal recognition in Myanmar.

The Diplomat called the ceremony "a huge victory for the country's LGBT community, considering the climate of harassment and oppression of marginalized groups under the former military junta".

[6] Indeed, same-sex sexual relations are outlawed in Myanmar under a colonial-era law introduced during the time of the British Raj.

A Christian marriage may be solemnised "by any person who has received episcopal ordination, provided that the marriage be solemnized according to the rules, rites, ceremonies and customs of the Church of which he is a Minister", and requires that "the age of the man intending to be married shall exceed sixteen years, and the age of the woman intending to be married shall exceed thirteen years".

[10] Islamic family law consists of court precedents, requiring that "every Muslim of sound mind and having reached the age of majority may enter into a contract of marriage, in the presence of the witnesses."

Laws regarding homosexuality in Asia
Same-sex sexual activity legal
Marriage performed
Marriage recognized
Other type of partnership
Legal guardianships or unregistered cohabitation
Limited foreign recognition (residency rights)
No recognition of same-sex couples
Restrictions on freedom of expression, not enforced
Severe restrictions of association with arrests or detention
Same-sex sexual activity illegal
Prison, not enforced
Prison
Death penalty on books, not enforced
Enforced death penalty