New Zealand has been rated as a world leader in 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 relating to 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 couples there still not allowed to get married. Australia's same-sex marriage rating has been labelled 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. These are shown in red.

The report's author, Aengus Carroll, told news.com.au that Australia was behind many countries it regards as peers.

"In terms of relationships, Australia is not too hot compared to [New Zealand]. Relationship recognition is uneven throughout Australia."