Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in Croatia have expanded in recent years, but LGBT persons may still face some legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. The status of same-sex relationships was first formally recognized in 2003 under a law dealing with unregistered cohabitations. As a result of a 2013 referendum, Croatia's Constitution defines marriage solely as a union between a woman and man, effectively prohibiting same-sex marriage. Since the introduction of the Life Partnership Act in 2014, same-sex couples have effectively enjoyed rights equal to heterosexual married couples in all aspects. Same-sex couples in Croatia can apply for adoption and foster care. Croatia bans all discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Croatia has the most advanced LGBT rights in the Slavic World according to ILGA-Europe.