New Zealand is at the highest end of the scale for its recognition of same-sex unions, joint adoption and second parent adoption. Photo / iStock
New Zealand has been rated as a world-leader when it comes to recognising the rights of the LGBT community, a step ahead of our neighbours across the ditch.
A map produced by ILGA, the international lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex association, shows how different countries are rated according to
their laws regarding sexual orientation.
New Zealand is at the highest end of the scale for its recognition of same-sex unions, joint adoption and second parent adoption.
Australia lags behind New Zealand, with same-sex marriage rating as a "clearly inferior substitute for marriage".
The map is part of a report called State Sponsored Homophobia 2016, and states that 13 nations apply the death penalty for homosexuality, which are shown in red.
