LGBTQ rights by country or territory

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Gay rights around the world)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "about". Script error: No such module "redirect hatnote". Script error: No such module "Protection banner". Script error: No such module "Protection banner". Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Template:Use dmy dates Template:World homosexuality laws map Template:LGBTQI+ rights at the UN Template:LGBTQ rights Script error: No such module "Sidebar". Script error: No such module "Sidebar". Rights affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people vary greatly by country or jurisdiction—encompassing everything from the legal recognition of same-sex marriage to the death penalty for homosexuality.

File:Laws concerning gender identity-expression by country or territory.svg
Laws concerning gender identity-expression by country or territory <templatestyles src="Legend/styles.css" />
  Legal identity change, surgery not required
<templatestyles src="Legend/styles.css" />
  Legal identity change, surgery required
<templatestyles src="Legend/styles.css" />
  No legal identity change
<templatestyles src="Legend/styles.css" />
  Unknown/Ambiguous

Notably, since January 2025Template:Dated maintenance category (articles)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters"., 38 countries recognize same-sex marriage.[1][2] By contrast, not counting non-state actors and extrajudicial killings, only two countries are believed to impose the death penalty on consensual same-sex sexual acts: Iran and Afghanistan.[3][4][5][6] The death penalty is officially law, but generally not practiced, in Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Somalia (in the autonomous state of Jubaland) and the United Arab Emirates.[7][8] LGBTQ people also face extrajudicial killings in the Russian region of Chechnya.[9] Sudan rescinded its unenforced death penalty for anal sex (hetero- or homosexual) in 2020. Fifteen countries have stoning on the books as a penalty for adultery, which (in light of the illegality of gay marriage in those countries) would by default include gay sex, but this is enforced by the legal authorities in Iran and Nigeria (in the northern third of the country).[10][11][12][13][14]

In 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Council passed its first resolution recognizing LGBTQ rights, following which the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a report documenting violations of the rights of LGBTQ people, including hate crimes, criminalization of homosexual activity, and discrimination. Following the issuance of the report, the United Nations urged all countries which had not yet done so to enact laws protecting basic LGBTQ rights.[15][16] A 2022 study found that LGBTQ rights (as measured by ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Index) were correlated with less HIV/AIDS incidence among gay and bisexual men independently of risky sexual behavior.[17]

The 2023 Equaldex Equality Index ranks the Nordic countries, Chile, Uruguay, Canada, the Benelux countries, Spain, Andorra, and Malta among the best for LGBTQ rights. The index ranks Senegal, Oman, Brunei, Afghanistan, Somalia, Eritrea, Gambia, and Iran among the worst.[18] A 2023 Gallup opinion poll found that Nepal was the only non-Western country where the percentage of respondents considering their residential area to be a good place for gay or lesbian people exceeded 80%.[19]

Scope of laws

Laws that affect LGBTQ people include, but are not limited to, the following:

History of LGBT-related laws

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

Ancient India

In ancient India, Ayoni or non-vaginal sex of all types was punishable in the Arthashastra. Homosexual acts were, however, treated as a smaller offence punishable by a fine, while unlawful heterosexual sex carried much harsher punishment. The Dharmsastras, especially the later ones like the Vashistha Dharmasutra, prescribed against non-vaginal sex. The Yājñavalkya Smṛti prescribed fines for such acts including those with other men. Manusmriti prescribed light punishments for such acts.[20][21] Vanita stated that the verses about punishment for a sex between a woman and her maiden was due to its strong emphasis on a maiden's sexual purity.[22]

Ancient Israel

The ancient Law of Moses (the Torah) forbids people from lying with people of the same sex (i.e., from having intercourse) in Leviticus 18 and gives a story of attempted homosexual rape in Genesis 19, in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, after which the cities were soon destroyed with "brimstone and fire, from the Lord"[23][24] and the death penalty was prescribed to its inhabitants – and to Lot's wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt because she turned back to watch the cities' destruction.[25][26] In Deuteronomy 22:5, cross-dressing is condemned as "abominable".[27][28]

Assyria

In Assyrian society, sex crimes were punished identically whether they were homosexual or heterosexual.[29] An individual faced no punishment for penetrating someone of equal social class, a cult prostitute, or with someone whose gender roles were not considered solidly masculine.[29] Such sexual relations were even seen as good fortune, with an Akkadian tablet, the Šumma ālu, reading, "If a man copulates with his equal from the rear, he becomes the leader among his peers and brothers".[30][31] However, homosexual relationships with fellow soldiers, slaves, royal attendants, or those where a social better was submissive or penetrated, were treated as bad omens.[32][33]

Middle Assyrian Law Codes dating 1075 BC has a particularly harsh law for homosexuality in the military, which reads: "If a man have intercourse with his brother-in-arms, they shall turn him into a eunuch."[34][35] A similar law code reads, "If a seignior lay with his neighbor, when they have prosecuted him (and) convicted him, they shall lie with him (and) turn him into a eunuch". This law code condemns a situation that involves homosexual rape. Any Assyrian male could visit a prostitute or lie with another male, just as long as false rumors or forced sex were not involved with another male.[36]

Ancient Rome

In ancient Rome, the bodies of citizen youths were strictly off-limits, and the Lex Scantinia imposed penalties on those who committed a sex crime (stuprum) against a freeborn male minor.[37] Acceptable same-sex partners were males excluded from legal protections as citizens: slaves, male prostitutes, and the infames, entertainers or others who might be technically free but whose lifestyles set them outside the law.

A male citizen who willingly performed oral sex or received anal sex was disparaged, but there is only limited evidence of legal penalties against these men.[38] In courtroom and political rhetoric, charges of effeminacy and passive sexual behaviors were directed particularly at "democratic" politicians (populares) such as Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.[39]

Roman law addressed the rape of a male citizen as early as the 2nd century BC when it was ruled that even a man who was "disreputable and questionable" had the same right as other citizens not to have his body subjected to forced sex.[40] A law probably dating to the dictatorship of Julius Caesar defined rape as forced sex against "boy, woman, or anyone"; the rapist was subject to execution, a rare penalty in Roman law.[41] A male classified as infamis, such as a prostitute or actor, could not as a matter of law be raped, nor could a slave, who was legally classified as property; the slave's owner, however, could prosecute the rapist for property damage.[42]

In the Roman army of the Republic, sex among fellow soldiers violated the decorum against intercourse with citizens and was subject to harsh penalties, including death,[43] as a violation of military discipline.[44] The Greek historian Polybius (2nd century BC) lists deserters, thieves, perjurers, and "...on young men who have abused their persons" as subject to the fustuarium, clubbing to death.[45] Ancient sources are most concerned with the effects of sexual harassment by officers, but the young soldier who brought an accusation against his superior needed to show that he had not willingly taken the passive role or prostituted himself.[46] Soldiers were free to have relations with their male slaves;[47] the use of a fellow citizen-soldier's body was prohibited, not homosexual behaviors per se.[48] By the late Republic and throughout the Imperial period, there is increasing evidence that men whose lifestyle marked them as "homosexual" in the modern sense served openly.[49]

Although Roman law did not recognize marriage between men, and in general Romans regarded marriage as a heterosexual union with the primary purpose of producing children, in the early Imperial period some male couples were celebrating traditional marriage rites. Juvenal remarks with disapproval that his friends often attended such ceremonies.[50] The emperor Nero had two marriages to men, once as the bride (with a freedman Pythagoras) and once as the groom. His consort Sporus appeared in public as Nero's wife wearing the regalia that was customary for the Roman empress.[51]

Apart from measures to protect the prerogatives of citizens, the prosecution of homosexuality as a general crime began in the 3rd century of the Christian era when male prostitution was banned by Philip the Arab. By the end of the 4th century, after the Roman Empire had come under Christian rule, passive homosexuality was punishable by burning.[52] "Death by sword" was the punishment for a "man coupling like a woman" under the Theodosian Code.[53] Under Justinian, all same-sex acts, passive or active, no matter who the partners are, were declared contrary to nature and punishable by death.[54]

British Empire

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

The United Kingdom introduced anti-homosexuality laws throughout its colonies, particularly in the 19th century when the British Empire was at its peak.[55] As of 2018, more than half of the 71 countries that criminalised homosexuality were former British colonies or protectorates.[56]

In 1861, the British Empire introduced Section 377 of the British Colonial Penal Code, outlawing consensual sexual activity between same-sex couples as well as labelling third gender communities such as the apwint people and Hijra as "outlaw tribes". This law was intended to criminalise acts "against the order of nature". Section 377 was used to prosecute people engaging in oral and anal sex along with homosexual activity.

Today, Section 377 still exists in some former British colonies:

In addition to Section 377, the United Kingdom also introduced a number of laws targeting gender non-conformity throughout its colonies. In 1861, authorities of the North-Western Provinces (NWP) sought to enact a 'special law' against Hijra people in order to criminalise their identity.Template:Sfn The Hijra were included in the Criminal Tribes Act (1871)Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn and were monitored with the hope of eliminating their culture.Template:Sfn Due to the passage of the Criminal Tribes Act (1871), Hijra people could not possess children.Template:Sfn

While significant progress has been made to reverse these laws, the majority of the countries of the Commonwealth of Nations, formerly known as the British Commonwealth, still criminalise sexual acts between consenting adults of the same sex and other forms of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Homosexual activity remains a criminal offence in 29 of the 56 sovereign states of the Commonwealth; and legal in only 27. In 3 of these states, homosexual activity is punishable by death.

LGBTQ communities still face significant discrimination due to the influence of colonialism in former British colonies, despite these communities being accepted prior to British colonialism. In the Indic cultural sphere, references to a third sex can be found throughout the texts of India's religious traditions like Jainism[58] and Buddhism[59] as well as the Kama Sutra.[60] The foundational work of Hindu law, the Manu Smriti (c. 200 BC–200 AD) explains humans as belonging to one of three biological sexes, indicating a belief that transsexuality was an inherent trait.

Netherlands

In 2001, the Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.[61]

Global LGBT rights maps

Note that for simplicity the table below does not distinguish between 'legal' and 'lawful'. An action can only be legal or illegal where a specific law has been passed.

Timeline

Template:Decriminalization of homosexuality timeline

LGBT-related laws by country or territory

Note: A country in this list is to be presumed to have equalized the age of consent at the same time as it decriminalized homosexual acts, unless otherwise noted.

Africa

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

List of countries or territories by LGBTQ rights in Africa
This table: Script error: No such module "Navbar".

Northern Africa

Template:Sticky header

LGBTQ rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Algeria No Illegal since 1966
Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment with fines up to 10,000 dinars.[69] Torture,[70] beatings,[71] or vigilante executions are also common.
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Canary Islands
(Autonomous community of Spain)
Yes Legal since 1979
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes De facto unions legal since 2003[73] Yes Legal since 2005[74] Yes Legal since 2005[75][76] Yes Spain responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[77] Yes Since 2007, all documents can be amended to the recognised gender[78]
Script error: No such module "flag". Ceuta
(Autonomous city of Spain)
Yes Legal since 1979
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes De facto union since 1998[79] Yes Legal since 2005[74] Yes Legal since 2005[75] Yes Spain responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Since 2007, all documents can be amended to the recognised gender[78]
Script error: No such module "flag". Egypt Yes/ No Ambiguous. Male de jure legal, but de facto illegal since 2000
Penalty: Up to 17 years imprisonment with or without hard labour and with or without fines under broadly-written morality laws.[72][80]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Libya No Illegal since 1953 (as Kingdom of Libya)
Penalty: Up to 5 years in jail or vigilante execution.[81][82]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Madeira
(Autonomous region of Portugal)
Yes Legal since 1983
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes De facto union since 2001[83][84] Yes Legal since 2010[85] Yes Legal since 2016[86][87][88] Yes Portugal responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination.[77] Yes Since 2011, all documents can be amended to the recognised gender[89]
Script error: No such module "flag". Melilla
(Autonomous city of Spain)
Yes Legal since 1979
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes De facto union since 2008[90] Yes Legal since 2005[74] Yes Legal since 2005[75] Yes Spain responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[91] Yes Since 2007, all documents can be amended to the recognised gender[78]
Script error: No such module "flag". Morocco
(including Southern Provinces)
No Illegal since 1962
Penalty: Up to 3 to 6 years imprisonment with hard labour.[72][92]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
(Disputed territory; excluding Southern Provinces)
No Illegal
Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment.[72][93][94]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Sudan No Illegal since 1899 (as Anglo-Egyptian Sudan)
Penalty: Life imprisonment for a third offense of anal sex.[95]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Tunisia No Illegal since 1913 (as the French protectorate of Tunisia)
Penalty: 3 years imprisonment.[72][96]
[97]
No No No No No No

Western Africa

Template:Sticky header

LGBTQ rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Benin Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country);[72][98]
Equal age of consent since 2018.
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg No File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Burkina Faso Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country, Criminalization pending) [99] No No Constitutional ban since 1991 No File:Emblem-question.svg No File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Cape Verde Yes Legal since 2004
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[72] File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Gambia No Illegal since 1888 (as the Gambia Colony and Protectorate)
Penalty: Up to Iife imprisonment.[72][100][101]
No No No No No No Forms of gender expression criminalized since 2013[102]
Script error: No such module "flag". Ghana Template:Ubl No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Guinea No Illegal since 1988
Penalty: 6 months to 10 years imprisonment.[103]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Guinea-Bissau Yes Legal since 1993[72]
+ UN decl. sign.
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg No File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Ivory Coast Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country);
Age of consent discrepancy[72]
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg No File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Liberia No Illegal since 1976
Penalty: 1 year imprisonment.[72][104] (repeal proposed)[105]
No No No No No/Yes Limited protections. No
Script error: No such module "flag". Mali No Illegal since 2024
Penalty: 7 years imprisonment and a fine of 500,000 francs.[106][72]
No No Constitutional ban since 2023[107] No File:Emblem-question.svg No No[108]
Script error: No such module "flag". Mauritania No No Illegal since 1983
Penalty: Capital punishment for men, (not enforced); prison and a fine for women.[72][109]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Niger Yes Legal (Criminalization pending);
Age of consent discrepancy[72]
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg No No[108]
Script error: No such module "flag". Nigeria No Illegal since 1904 (Northern Region only)
Illegal since 1916 (Region-wide)
Penalty: Up to 14 years imprisonment.
No Death in the states of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara. (not enforced)[72][110][101]
No No Statutory ban since 2013 No No No No Forms of gender expression criminalized in Sharia provinces.
Script error: No such module "flag". Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
(Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)
Yes Legal since 2001
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Legal since 2017 Yes Legal since 2017[111][112] Yes Legal since 2017 Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Senegal No Illegal since 1966
Penalty: 1 to 5 years imprisonment.[72][113]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Sierra Leone No Male illegal since 1861 (as the Sierra Leone Colony and Protectorate)
Penalty: Up to life imprisonment (Not enforced, repeal disputed).
Yes Female always legal
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No No No/Yes Limited protections. No
Script error: No such module "flag". Togo No Illegal since 1980
Penalty: Fine and 3 years imprisonment [72] (repeal proposed)[114]
No No No No No No

Central Africa

Template:Sticky header

LGBTQ rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Cameroon No Illegal since 1972
Penalty: Fines to 5 years imprisonment.[72][101] or vigilante execution and torture,[115] (repeal proposed) [116]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Central African Republic Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)[72]
+ UN decl. sign.
No No Constitutional ban since 2016[117] No File:Emblem-question.svg No No[108]
Script error: No such module "flag". Chad No Illegal since 2017
Penalty: Between 3 months and 2 years in prison, with fines of 50,000 to 500,000 FCFA. (Penal Code, Chapter 2, Article 354) [118]
No No No No Yes/No Aggravated punishment when the rape is committed because of the sexual orientation of the victim. No[108]
Script error: No such module "flag". Democratic Republic of the Congo Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)[72] No No Constitutional ban since 2006 No File:Emblem-question.svg No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Republic of the Congo Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country);
Age of consent discrepancy[72]
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg No No[108]
Script error: No such module "flag". Equatorial Guinea Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)[72] No No No File:Emblem-question.svg No/Yes Limited protections. No[108]
Script error: No such module "flag". Gabon Yes Legal since 2020[119];
Age of consent discrepancy,
+ UN decl. sign.
No No Constitutional ban since 2024 No File:Emblem-question.svg No/Yes Limited protections. File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". São Tomé and Príncipe Yes Legal since 2012
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[120] File:Emblem-question.svg

Eastern Africa

Template:Sticky header

LGBTQ rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Burundi No Illegal since 2009
Penalty: fine, and 3 months to 2 years imprisonment. [72][121] (repeal disputed)
No No Constitutional ban since 2005 No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Djibouti Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country) [72][122] No No No File:Emblem-question.svg No No[108]
Script error: No such module "flag". Eritrea No Illegal
Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment.[72][123] or vigilate execution[124] Beatings and torture are also tolerated.[125][126]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Ethiopia No Illegal
Penalty: Up to 15 years. [72] (repeal disputed) [127]
No No Statutory ban since 2009[128] No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Kenya No Illegal since 1897 (as the East Africa Protectorate)
Penalty: up to 14 years imprisonment. (repeal proposed) [72][101][129]
No No Constitutional ban since 2010[130] No No Yes/No Limited protection following legal process by the authorities.[131] Yes[132]
Script error: No such module "flag". Rwanda Yes Legal (No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country)[72]
+ UN decl. sign.
No No Constitutional ban since 2003 No File:Emblem-question.svg No/Yes Limited protections.[133] No
Script error: No such module "flag". Somalia No Illegal
Penalty: Up to 3 years prison.
Script error: No such module "flag". Jubaland No Illegal. Penalty: Up to death in Jubaland.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Somaliland
(Disputed territory)
No Illegal
Penalty: Up to 3 years prison, sometimes death sentences.[134]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". South Sudan No Illegal since 1899 (as Anglo-Egyptian Sudan)
Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment. (not enforced) [72][101]
No No Constitutional ban since 2011Script error: No such module "Unsubst". No No No No Forms of gender expression are criminalized.
Script error: No such module "flag". Tanzania No Illegal since 1864 (only Zanzibar)
Illegal since 1899
Penalty: Up to life imprisonment.[72][101] Vigilante executions, beatings and torture[135][136] are also tolerated.
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Uganda No No Male illegal since 1902 (as Protectorate)
Female illegal since 2000
Penalty: Life imprisonment, Death penalty in some cases, Beatings, torture, or vigilante execution. [137][138]
No No Constitutional ban since 2005 No No No No

Indian Ocean states

Template:Sticky header

LGBTQ rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGB people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Comoros No Illegal since 1982
Penalty: 5 years imprisonment and fines. (not enforced)[72][139]
No No No No No No[108]
Script error: No such module "flag". French Southern and Antarctic Lands
(Overseas territory of France)
Yes Legal
(No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the territory)[72]
Yes Civil solidarity pact since 1999Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law
Script error: No such module "flag". Madagascar Yes Legal
(No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the country);
Age of consent discrepancy[72]
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg No/Yes Limited protections. File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Mauritius Yes Legal since 2023[140]
+ UN decl. sign.
No No No No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[141][142] File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Mayotte
(Overseas region of France)
Yes Legal
(No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the region)[72]
Yes Civil solidarity pact since 2007 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law
Script error: No such module "flag". Réunion
(Overseas region of France)
Yes Legal since 1791[72] Yes Civil solidarity pact since 1999 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law
Script error: No such module "flag". Seychelles Yes Legal since 2016[143]
+ UN decl. sign.
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[72] File:Emblem-question.svg

Southern Africa

Template:Sticky header

LGBTQ rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Angola Yes Legal since 2021 [144] No No No No Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[145] File:Emblem-question.svg May possibly change gender under the Código do Registro Civil 2015[146]
Script error: No such module "flag". Botswana Yes Legal since 2019 [147] No No No No(Only LGB) Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Legal gender change recognized as a constitutional right since 2017[148]
Script error: No such module "flag". Eswatini No Male illegal since the 1880s (not enforced, repeal proposed)[149]
Penalty: Unknown
Yes Female always legal[72][101]
No No No No No/Yes Hate speech ban, only in broadcasting. No
Script error: No such module "flag". Lesotho Yes Male legal since 2012
Female always legal[72]
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination.[150][151] File:Emblem-question.svg May possibly change gender under the National Identity Cards Act 9 of 2011[152]
Script error: No such module "flag". Malawi No Illegal since 1891 (as British Central Africa Protectorate)[101]
Penalty: Up to 14 years imprisonment, with or without corporal punishment for men
up to 5 years imprisonment for women (repeal proposed)[72][153][101][154][155]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Mozambique Yes Legal since 2015[156][157] No No No No Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[72][141] File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Namibia Yes Legal since 2024[158] No/Yes Foreign same-sex marriages recognisedScript error: No such module "Unsubst".. No/Yes Foreign same-sex marriages recognisedScript error: No such module "Unsubst".. No No Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination.[159] Yes Under the Births, Marriages and Deaths Registration Act 81 of 1963[160]
Script error: No such module "flag". South Africa Yes Male legal since 1998
Female always legal; equal age of consent since 2007
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Limited recognition of unregistered partnerships since 1998; same-sex marriage since 2006 Yes Legal since 2006 Yes Legal since 2002 Yes Since 1998 Yes Constitution bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Anti-discrimination laws are interpreted to include gender identityScript error: No such module "Unsubst".; legal gender may be changed after surgical or medical treatment
Script error: No such module "flag". Zambia No Illegal since 1911 (as part of the British South Africa Company rule of Rhodesia)
Penalty: up to 14 years imprisonment. (repeal proposed)[72][101][161][162]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Zimbabwe No Male illegal since 1891 (as part of the British South Africa Company rule of Rhodesia)
Penalty: up to 14 years imprisonment. (repeal proposed)[163]
Yes Female always legal[72][101]
No No Constitutional ban since 2013[164] No No No No

Americas

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

List of countries or territories by LGBTQ rights in the Americas

Antarctica

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

Asia

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

List of countries or territories by LGBTQ rights in Asia
This table: Script error: No such module "Navbar".

North Asia

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Russia Yes Yes Fully legal nationwide since 1993[165][72]
Template:Hr(de-facto illegal in Chechnya)
No No No No Constitution limits marriage to opposite-sex couples since 2020 No No Yes Yes[166] No No No No Gender change has not been legal since 2023[167]

Central Asia

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Kazakhstan Yes Yes Legal since 1998[72] No No No No No No Yes Yes Since 2022[168] No No Yes Yes[169]
Script error: No such module "flag". Kyrgyzstan Yes Yes Legal since 1998[72] No No No No Constitutional ban since 2016[170] No No Un­known No No Yes Yes Requires sex reassignment surgery[171][169]
Script error: No such module "flag". Tajikistan Yes Yes Legal since 1998[72] No No No No No No Un­known No No Yes Yes Requires sex reassignment surgery[172][169]
Script error: No such module "flag". Turkmenistan No No Male illegal since 1927
Penalty: up to 2 years imprisonment.
Yes Yes Female always legal[173]
No No No No No No No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Uzbekistan No No Male illegal since 1926
Penalty: up to 3 years imprisonment.
Yes Yes Female always legal[173]
No No No No No No No No No No No No

West Asia

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Abkhazia
(Disputed territory)
Yes Yes Legal No No No No No No Un­known No No Un­known
Script error: No such module "flag". Akrotiri and Dhekelia
(Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)
Yes Yes Legal since 2000
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Yes Civil partnerships since 2005 Yes Yes Legal since 2014 Un­known Yes Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[174] Un­known
Script error: No such module "flag". Armenia Yes Yes Legal since 2003
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No No Constitutional ban since 2015[175][176] No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples. No No [177] No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Azerbaijan Yes Yes Legal since 2000[72] No No No No No No No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Bahrain Yes Yes Legal since 1976[72] No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery.[178]
Script error: No such module "flag". Cyprus Yes Yes Legal since 1998
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Yes Civil cohabitation since 2015[179] No No No No Yes Yes[180] Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[181] Yes Yes Forbids some discrimination based on gender identity.[182]Template:HrNo No Gender change is not legal.
Script error: No such module "flag". Egypt Yes Yes/ No No Ambiguous. Male de jure legal, but de facto illegal since 2000
Penalty: Up to 17 years imprisonment with or without hard labour and with or without fines under broadly-written morality laws.[72][183]
No No No No No No No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Georgia Yes Yes Legal since 2000
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No No Constitutional ban since 2018 No No Un­known Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[184] Yes Yes Requires sterilization and sex reassignment surgery for change[185]
Script error: No such module "flag". Iran No No No Illegal
Penalty: 74 lashes for immature men and death penalty for mature men (although there are documented cases of minors executed because of their sexual orientation)[186]. For women, 100 lashes for women of mature sound mind and if consenting. Death penalty offense after fourth conviction.[72]
No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Legal gender recognition legal if accompanied by a medical intervention[187]
Script error: No such module "flag". Iraq No No Re-criminalized in 2024.[188] Penalty: Prison sentence between 10 and 15 years. No No No No No No No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Israel Yes Yes Legal since 1963 (de facto), 1988 (de jure)[189]
+ UN decl. sign.[72][190]
Yes Yes Unregistered cohabitation since 1994. No No/Yes Yes Foreign same-sex marriages are recognized and recorded in the population registry Yes Yes Permitted by law since 2008.[191] But in practice gay couples were put at the end of the queue for adoption, until the Supreme Court forbade this discrimination in 2023.[192] Legal adoptions by gay couples began in practice in 2025.[193] Yes Yes Since 1993; Includes transgender people[194] Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[195][196][197] No No Almost full recognition of gender's ID with or without a surgery or medical intervention (Excluding changing gender and name in birth certificate) ;[198][199] equal employment opportunity law bars discrimination based on gender identity[200][201][202]
Script error: No such module "flag". Jordan Yes Yes Legal[72] No No No No No No Un­known No No Yes Yes Allowed since 2014[203]
Script error: No such module "flag". Kuwait Template:Ubl No No No No No No No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Lebanon Yes Yes / No No Ambiguous. Illegal under Article 534 of the Penal Code. Some judges have ruled not to prosecute individuals based on the law, however, this has not been settled by the Supreme Court and thus homosexuality is still illegal.[204] However, a 2017 court ruling claims that it is legal, but the law against it is still in place.
Penalty: Up to 1 year imprisonment (unenforced).
No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Legal gender change allowed, but sex reassignment surgery required[205]
Script error: No such module "flag". Northern Cyprus
(Disputed territory)
Yes Yes Legal since 2014[206][207][72] No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[206][207] Yes Yes Legal, requires surgery for change[208]
Script error: No such module "flag". Oman No No Illegal
Penalty: Fines and prison sentence up to 3 years (only enforced when dealing with "public scandal").[72]
No No No No No No No No No No No No Laws against forms of gender expression.
Script error: No such module "flag". Palestine
West Bank:
Yes Yes Legal[72]Template:HrGaza:
No consensus on legal applicability of British 1936 Sexual offences provisions to homosexual conduct[209][210][211][212]
West Bank:
No No
Gaza:
No No
No No No No Un­known No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Qatar No No No Illegal
Penalty: Fines, up to 7 years imprisonment[72] Death penalty for Muslims.
No No No No No No No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Saudi Arabia Template:Ubl[72] No No No No No No No No No No No No Laws against forms of gender expression.
Script error: No such module "flag". South Ossetia
(Disputed territory)
Yes Yes Legal No No No No No No Un­known No No Un­known
Script error: No such module "flag". Syria File:Emblem-question.svg No No No No File:Emblem-question.svg No official military File:Emblem-question.svg File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Turkey Yes Yes Legal since 1858[72] No No No No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples. No No No No Yes Yes Requires sterilisation and sex reassignment surgery for change[213]
Script error: No such module "flag". United Arab Emirates Template:Ubl No No No No No No No No No No No No Sex reassignment surgery severely restricted to limited circumstances (mainly physical intersex traits), highly regulated by the state.[214][215] Laws used against forms of gender expression.[216]
Script error: No such module "flag". Yemen No No No Illegal (codified in 1994)
Penalty: Unmarried men punished with 100 lashes of the whip or a maximum of one year of imprisonment, stoning for adultery is not enforced. Women punished up to three years of imprisonment.[72]
No No No No No No No No No No No No

South Asia

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Afghanistan No No No Illegal
Penalty: Death penalty[217]
No No No No No No No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Bangladesh No No Illegal since 1862
Penalty: 10 years to life imprisonment (Occasionally enforced).[72][218]
No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes A third gender option (hijra) besides male and female is available for a certain sect of third genders[219]
Script error: No such module "flag". Bhutan Yes Yes Legal since 2021[220] No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender without surgery
Script error: No such module "flag". British Indian Ocean Territory
(Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)
Yes Yes Legal since 2001
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Yes Civil partnerships since 2005 Yes Yes Legal since 2014 Un­known Yes Yes UK responsible for defense Un­known Un­known
Script error: No such module "flag". India Yes Yes Legal since 2018[221] Yes Yes/ No No symbolic live-In relationships exist[222]
On August 28, 2024, India's Ministry of Finance issued an advisory declaring that persons from the LGBTQ community face no restrictions in opening joint bank accounts or nominating their partners as beneficiaries[223]
No No No No No No Yes Yes/ No No Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity prohibited by court decision. No nationwide law.[224][225][226]

In 2022, National Medical Commission banned conversion therapy[227]

Yes Yes A third gender option (hijra) besides male and female is available; transgender people have a constitutional right to change gender, only after medical/surgical intervention[228][226]
Script error: No such module "flag". Maldives No No Illegal (codified in 2014)
Penalty: Up to 8 years imprisonment, house arrest, lashings and fines. (unenforced)[229] LGBTQ welcomed in tourist islands [230]
No No No No No No No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Nepal Yes Yes Legal since 2007
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No No No No Yes Yes Since 2007[231] Yes Yes Constitutional protections since 2015[232] No No Change to third gender "O" legal since 2007, unable to change to male or female[233]
Script error: No such module "flag". Pakistan No No Illegal since 1862
Penalty: 2 years to life sentence (Occasionally enforced).[72][234]
No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Transphobia illegalTemplate:Hr

No No Homophobia/biphobia is not illegal

Yes Yes Right to change gender; transgender and intersex citizens have legal protections from all discrimination and harassment[235]
Script error: No such module "flag". Sri Lanka No No Illegal since 1885
Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment with fines.[72] (Ruled unenforcable by the Supreme Court) Legalization proposed
No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender without surgery

East Asia

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of relationships Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". China Yes Yes Legal since 1997[72] No No/Yes Yes "Legal guardianship" since 2017 No No No No Yes Yes can openly serveTemplate:HrNo No open displays of affection [236][237] YesYes Court has in some cases protected LGBT workers from employment discrimination.[238]

Template:HrNo No protection codified in law

Yes Yes

legal gender change possible since 2002.

Since 2022, legal gender change allowed with only partial sex reassignment surgery. Difficulty remains to change gender information on diplomas and degrees.[239][240]

Script error: No such module "flag". Hong Kong Yes Yes Legal since 1991[72] No No/Yes Yes Same-sex marriages registered overseas for government benefits and taxation, and limited recognition of local cohabiting partners No No Yes Yes/No No Stepchild adoption since 2021 [241] The central government of China is responsible for the defense of Hong Kong.[242] Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination (government discrimination only) Yes Yes Following a legal decision, may change gender marker after partial sex reassignment surgery.[243]
Script error: No such module "flag". Japan Yes Yes Legal since 1882
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No * Symbolic recognition in some jurisdictions. No No Proposed in 2023[244] No No Yes Yes The Japan Self-Defense Forces allow gay people to enlist.[245] No No nationwide protectionsTemplate:HrYes Yes some cities ban some anti-gay discrimination[72] Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery
Script error: No such module "flag". Macau Yes Yes Legal since 1996 No No No No No No The central government of China is responsible for the defence of Macau. Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination Un­known
Script error: No such module "flag". Mongolia Yes Yes Legal since 1993
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No No Constitutional ban since 1992 No No Yes Yes (Only LGB)[246] Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender but only after sex reassignment surgery
Script error: No such module "flag". North Korea Yes Yes / No No Ambiguous, punishable through Articles 193 and 262 regarding obscenity and decency laws.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Penalty: Unknown
No No No No No No Yes Yes can serve with 10-year celibacy required for all soldiers.[247]Template:HrNo No open displays of LGBT attitudes. No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". South Korea Yes Yes Legal
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No No Proposed in 2023[248] No No No No Yes Yes/No No Protection from discrimination varies by jurisdiction in some areas, including Seoul Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender but usually requires sex reassignment surgery
Script error: No such module "flag". Taiwan Yes Yes Legal[249] File:Yes check.svg[250] File:Yes check.svg Legal since 2019[251][252][253] Yes Yes Stepchild adoption since 2019
Yes Yes Joint adoption legal since 2023[254]
Yes Yes Yes Yes Constitutionally bans all anti-gay discrimination from government[255]; several laws banning anti-gay discrimination regarding education and employment.[256][257] Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery.Template:Efn

Southeast Asia

LGBT rights in Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of relationships Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Aceh (autonomous territory of Indonesia) No No Illegal
Penalty: 100 strokes of the cane or 8 years in prison[258]
No No No No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples No No The central government of Indonesia is responsible for the defense of Aceh. Yes Yes Follows the law of the central Indonesian government. Yes Yes Follows the law of the central Indonesian government.
Script error: No such module "flag". Brunei No No No Illegal since 1908
Penalty: Death by stoning (in abeyance), 1 year imprisonment and 100 lashes for men. Caning and 10 years prison for women.[259]
No No No No No No No No No No Laws prohibit forms of gender expression.
Script error: No such module "flag". Cambodia Yes Yes Legal[72] No No/Yes Yes Partnerships recognized in certain cities No No Constitutional ban since 1993 No No Un­known No No No No[260]
Script error: No such module "flag". Indonesia Yes Not criminalized in private relationship (except in Aceh)[72][261] No No No No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples No No Not explicitly prohibited by Law (de jure), Illegal (de facto) Yes Yes Limited protection following legal process by the authorities.[262] Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery.
Script error: No such module "flag". Laos Yes Yes Legal[72] No No No No No No Un­known No No Un­known
Script error: No such module "flag". Malaysia No No
Federal criminal law: Illegal since 1871, up to 20 years imprisonment and caning for anal sex (male/male or male/female);[72][263]
Template:Idkc Uncertain for lesbian sex.Template:EfnTemplate:HrNo No
State shariah law: Gay sex or lesbian sex, or both, are illegal for Muslims in all states and federal territories, except in Pahang.Template:Efn
No No No No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples No No No No No No Generally impossible to change gender. Gender changes was briefly recognized as fundamental rights in a 2014 court ruling,[264][265] but was overturned by the apex court in 2015.[266]
Forms of gender expression are criminalized for Muslims under state shariah law.[267]
Script error: No such module "flag". Myanmar No No Illegal since 1886
Penalty: Up to 20 years in prison (unenforced).[72][268]
No No No No No No No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Philippines Yes Yes Legal
+ UN decl. sign.[269][72][270][271] Template:Efn
No No (Pending) [269] No No (Pending) [272] No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[273][272] Yes Yes Since 2009 Yes Yes/No No Bans some anti-gay discrimination in certain cities and provinces,[274] including the City of Manila,[275]Cebu City,[276] Quezon City,[277] and Davao City;[278]
Nationwide anti-bullying law for basic education students.[279]
No No Generally impossible to change legal gender. However in Cagandahan vs Philippines, allowed an intersex man to change his legal gender from female to male.
Script error: No such module "flag". Singapore Yes Yes Legal since 2007 (de facto), 2022 (de jure) No No No No Ambiguous, a gay Singaporean man with a male partner in 2018 won an appeal in court to adopt a child that he fathered through a surrogate.[280] Yes Yes Yes Yes Protections against anti-gay discrimination, harassment and violence[281] Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery
Script error: No such module "flag". Thailand Yes Yes Legal since 1956
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Yes Since 2025 Yes Yes Since 2025[282][283][284] Yes Yes Since 2025[282] Yes Yes Since 2005 [285] Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination No No[283][286]

Yes Yes Anti-discrimination protections for gender expression.[263]

Script error: No such module "flag". Timor-Leste Yes Yes Legal since 1975
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No No Yes Yes LGBT individuals may adoptTemplate:Hrbut same-sex couples can not adopt Un­known Yes Yes Bans some anti gay discrimination, Hate crime protections since 2009.[287] Un­known
Script error: No such module "flag". Vietnam Yes Yes Legal[72]
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, not same-sex couples[288] Yes Yes Irrespective of one's sexual orientation Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination Yes Yes Gender changes recognized and officially practised since 2017[289][290]

Europe

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

List of countries or territories by LGBTQ rights in Europe

Oceania

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote".

List of countries or territories by LGBTQ rights in Oceania
Tables: Script error: No such module "Navbar".

Australasia

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Australia
(including territories of
Script error: No such module "flag"., the
Script error: No such module "flag". and
Script error: No such module "flag".)
Yes Always legal for women. Male legal in some states and territories since 1975, nationwide since 1997. Tasmania was the last state to legalise male homosexuality; Equal age of consent in some states and territories since 1975, nationwide since 2016.
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Unregistered cohabitation nationally since 2009;
Domestic partnerships in Tasmania (2004),[291] South Australia (2007),[292] Victoria (2008),[293] New South Wales (2010),[294] and Queensland (2012);[295]
Civil unions in the Australian Capital Territory (2012)[296]
Yes Legal since 2017[297] Yes Legal nationwide since 2018 Yes Gay men and lesbians since 1992[298]; Transgender and intersex people since 2010[299] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination.[300] Yes Different regulations within each jurisdiction regarding change of sex on a birth certificate. Effective from July 1, 2025 NSW will formally repeal the “surgical requirement” to change sex.[301][302]
Script error: No such module "flag". New Zealand Yes Legal since 1986
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Unregistered cohabitation since 2002;
Civil unions since 2005
Yes Legal since 2013[303] Yes Legal since 2013[303] Yes Since 1993; Includes transgender people[304] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Covered under the "sex discrimination" provision of the Human Rights Act 1993; Since July 2023, gender self-determination implemented by legislation on a birth certificate.[305][306]

Melanesia

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". Fiji Yes Legal since 2010
+ UN decl. sign.[307][72]
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[72]
Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2010
File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Indonesia Yes Legal (except in Aceh)[72][308] No No No No Yes Limited protection following legal process by the authorities.[309] Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery.
Script error: No such module "flag". New Caledonia
(Special collectivity of France)
Yes Legal
(No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the collectivity)
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Civil solidarity pact since 2009[310] Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law
Script error: No such module "flag". Papua New Guinea No Male illegal
Penalty: 3 to 14 years imprisonment (Rarely enforced, legalization proposed).
Yes Female always legal[72]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Solomon Islands No Illegal
Penalty: Up to 14 years imprisonment (Not enforced, Legalization proposed).[72]
No No No Has no military No[311] No
Script error: No such module "flag". Vanuatu Yes Legal
(No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed since independence[312])
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No File:Emblem-question.svg Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination No

Micronesia

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression Lack of a Presence of Anti-LGBT laws
Script error: No such module "flag". Guam
(Unincorporated territory of the United States)
Yes Legal since 1978 Yes Since 2015 Yes Legal since 2015 Yes Legal since 2002 Yes United States responsible for defense[313][314] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination Yes Allowed to legally change gender, but requires sex reassignment surgery Yes
Script error: No such module "flag". Micronesia Yes Legal
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No Has no military Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[315] File:Emblem-question.svg File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Kiribati No Male illegal
Penalty: 5-14 years imprisonment (Not enforced, Legalization proposed).
Yes Female legal[72]
No No No Has no military Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination No File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Marshall Islands Yes Legal since 2005
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No Has no military Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[316] File:Emblem-question.svg File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Nauru Yes Legal since 2016[317][318]
+ UN decl. sign.
No No No Has no military No
Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2016
No File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Northern Mariana Islands
(Unincorporated territory of the United States)
Yes Legal since 1983 Yes Since 2015 Yes Legal since 2015 Yes Legal since 2015 Yes United States responsible for defense[313][314] Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[319][320] Yes Under the Vital Statistics Act of 2006 Yes
Script error: No such module "flag". Palau Yes Legal since 2014
+ UN decl. sign.[321]
No No Constitutional ban since 2008 No Has no military No No File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". United States Minor Outlying Islands
(Unincorporated territories of the United States)
Yes Legal Yes Yes Legal Yes Legal Yes United States responsible for defense[313][314] No No Yes

Polynesia

LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Script error: No such module "flag". American Samoa
(Unincorporated territory of the United States)[322]
Yes Legal since 1980 No/Yes Same-sex marriages recognized but not performed under Respect for Marriage Act since 2022. No/Yes Same-sex marriages recognized but not performed under Respect for Marriage Act since 2022.[323] No Yes United States responsible for defense[313][314] No Yes[324]
Script error: No such module "flag". Cook Islands
(Part of the Realm of New Zealand)
Yes Legal since 2023
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No Yes New Zealand responsible for defence Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[325] No
Script error: No such module "flag". Easter Island
(Special territory of Chile)
Yes Legal since 1999
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Civil unions since 2015[326] Yes Since 2022[327] Yes Since 2022[327] Yes Chile responsible for defence[328][329] Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[330]
Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2021
Yes Transgender persons can change their legal gender and name since 1974.
No surgeries or judicial order since 2019.[331]
Script error: No such module "flag". French Polynesia
(Overseas collectivity of France)
Yes Legal
(No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the collectivity)
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law
Script error: No such module "flag". Hawaii
(Constituent state of the United States)
Yes Since 1972 Yes Since 1997 Yes Since 2013 Yes Since 2012 Yes United States responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes
Script error: No such module "flag". Niue
(Part of the Realm of New Zealand)
Yes Legal since 2024
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No Yes New Zealand responsible for defence No File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Pitcairn Islands
(Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)
Yes Legal since 2001
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Since 2015 Yes Legal since 2015[332] Yes Legal since 2015[333] Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Constitutional ban on all anti-gay discrimination[334] File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Samoa No Male illegal
Penalty: 5-7 years imprisonment (Not enforced). Legalization proposed
Yes Female always legal
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No Has no military Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[335]
Pathologization or attempted treatment of sexual orientation by mental health professionals illegal since 2007
File:Emblem-question.svg Samoa has a large transgender or "third-gender" community called the fa'afafine. They are a recognized part of traditional Samoan customs.
Script error: No such module "flag". Tokelau
(Dependent territory of the Realm of New Zealand)
Yes Legal since 2003[336]
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No No Yes New Zealand responsible for defence No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Tonga No Male illegal
Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment (Not enforced, Legalization proposed).
Yes Female always legal[72]
No No No No No No
Script error: No such module "flag". Tuvalu No Male illegal
Penalty: Up to 14 years imprisonment (Not enforced). Legalization proposed
Yes Female legal
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
No No Constitutional ban since 2023 No Has no military Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination File:Emblem-question.svg
Script error: No such module "flag". Wallis and Futuna
(Overseas collectivity of France)
Yes Legal
(No laws against same-sex sexual activity have ever existed in the collectivity)
+ UN decl. sign.[72]
Yes Civil solidarity pact since 2009 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes Legal since 2013 Yes France responsible for defence Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination Yes Under French law

See also

Script error: No such module "Portal".

Notes

Template:Notelist

References

  1. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  2. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  3. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  4. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  8. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  9. Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  10. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  12. Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  13. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  17. Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  18. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  19. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  32. Pritchard, p. 181.
  33. Gay Rights Or Wrongs: A Christian's Guide to Homosexual Issues and Ministry, by Mike Mazzalonga, 1996, p.11
  34. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  35. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. G. R. Driver and J. C. Miles, The Assyrian Laws (Oxford, Clarendon Press [1935]), 71.
  37. Plutarch, Moralia 288a; Thomas Habinek, "The Invention of Sexuality in the World-City of Rome," in The Roman Cultural Revolution (Cambridge University Press, 1997), p. 39; Richlin, "Not before Homosexuality," pp. 545–546. Scholars disagree as to whether the Lex Scantinia imposed the death penalty or a hefty fine.
  38. Williams, Roman Homosexuality, pp. 214–215; Richlin, "Not before Homosexuality," passim.
  39. Catharine Edwards, The Politics of Immorality in Ancient Rome (Cambridge University Press, 1993), pp. 63–64.
  40. As recorded in a fragment of the speech De Re Floria by Cato the Elder (frg. 57 Jordan = Aulus Gellius 9.12.7), noted and discussed by Richlin, "Not before Homosexuality," p. 561.
  41. Richlin, "Not before Homosexuality," pp. 562–563. See also Digest 48.5.35 [34] on legal definitions of rape that included boys.
  42. Under the Lex Aquilia. See McGinn, Prostitution, Sexuality, and the Law in Ancient Rome, p. 314.
  43. McGinn, Prostitution, Sexuality and the Law in Ancient Rome, p. 40.
  44. Sara Elise Phang, Roman Military Service: Ideologies of Discipline in the Late Republic and Early Principate (Cambridge University Press, 2008), p. 93.
  45. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  46. Phang, The Marriage of Roman Soldiers, pp. 280–285.
  47. Phang, The Marriage of Roman Soldiers, p. 3.
  48. Williams, Roman Homosexuality, p. 112 et passim.
  49. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  50. Juvenal, Satire 2; Williams, Roman Homosexuality, p. 28.
  51. Suetonius Life of Nero 28–29; Williams, Roman Homosexuality, p. 279ff.
  52. Michael Groneberg, "Reasons for Homophobia: Three Types of Explanation," in Combatting Homophobia: Experiences and Analyses Pertinent to Education (LIT Verlag, 2011), p. 193.
  53. Codex Theodosianus 9.7.3 (4 December 342), introduced by the sons of Constantine in 342.
  54. Groneberg, "Reasons for Homophobia," p. 193.
  55. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  56. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  57. a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  58. Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  59. Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  60. Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  61. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  62. In the Russian law "for the Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating for a Denial of Traditional Family Values", foreigners may be arrested and detained for up to 15 days then deported, or fined up to 5,000 rubles and deported.
  63. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  64. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  65. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  66. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  67. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  68. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  69. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  70. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  71. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  72. a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq cr cs ct cu cv cw cx cy cz da db dc dd de df dg dh di dj Script error: No such module "Cite".
  73. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  74. a b c Script error: No such module "Cite".
  75. a b c Script error: No such module "Cite".
  76. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  77. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  78. a b c Script error: No such module "Cite".
  79. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  80. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  81. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  82. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  83. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  84. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  85. Script error: No such module "cite".
  86. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  87. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  88. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  89. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  90. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  91. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  92. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  93. Script error: No such module "cite".
  94. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  95. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  96. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  97. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  98. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  99. https://ilga.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/02_ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2016_ENG_WEB_150516.pdf
  100. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  101. a b c d e f g h i j k Script error: No such module "Cite".
  102. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  103. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  104. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  105. Script error: No such module "cite".
  106. Script error: No such module "cite".
  107. Script error: No such module "cite".
  108. a b c d e f g h Script error: No such module "cite".
  109. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  110. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  111. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  112. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  113. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  114. Script error: No such module "cite".
  115. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  116. Script error: No such module "cite".
  117. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  118. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  119. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  120. Script error: No such module "cite".
  121. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  122. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  123. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  124. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  125. Script error: No such module "cite".
  126. Script error: No such module "cite".
  127. Script error: No such module "cite".
  128. Script error: No such module "cite".
  129. Script error: No such module "cite".
  130. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  131. Script error: No such module "cite".
  132. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  133. Script error: No such module "cite".
  134. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  135. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  136. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  137. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  138. Script error: No such module "cite".
  139. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  140. Script error: No such module "cite".
  141. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  142. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  143. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  144. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  145. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  146. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  147. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  148. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  149. Script error: No such module "cite".
  150. Script error: No such module "cite".
  151. Script error: No such module "cite".
  152. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  153. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  154. Script error: No such module "cite".
  155. Script error: No such module "cite".
  156. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  157. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  158. Script error: No such module "cite".
  159. Script error: No such module "cite".
  160. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  161. Script error: No such module "cite".
  162. Script error: No such module "cite".
  163. Script error: No such module "cite".
  164. Script error: No such module "cite".
  165. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  166. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  167. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  168. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  169. a b c Script error: No such module "Cite".
  170. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  171. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  172. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  173. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  174. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  175. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  176. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  177. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  178. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  179. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  180. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  181. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  182. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  183. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  184. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  185. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  186. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  187. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  188. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  189. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  190. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  191. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  192. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  193. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  194. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  195. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  196. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  197. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  198. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  199. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  200. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  201. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  202. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  203. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  204. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  205. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  206. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  207. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  208. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  209. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  210. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  211. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  212. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  213. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  214. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  215. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  216. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  217. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  218. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  219. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  220. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  221. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  222. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  223. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  224. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  225. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  226. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  227. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  228. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  229. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  230. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  231. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  232. {{#invoke:Cite|web|url=https://database.ilga.org/discrimination-employment-lgbti
  233. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  234. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  235. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  236. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  237. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  238. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  239. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  240. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  241. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  242. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  243. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  244. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  245. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  246. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  247. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  248. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  249. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  250. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  251. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  252. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  253. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  254. Article 20, Script error: No such module "Cite".
  255. Article 7, Script error: No such module "Cite".
  256. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  257. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  258. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  259. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  260. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  261. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  262. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  263. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  264. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  265. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  266. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  267. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  268. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  269. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  270. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  271. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  272. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  273. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  274. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  275. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  276. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  277. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  278. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  279. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  280. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  281. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  282. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  283. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  284. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  285. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  286. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  287. Article 52 of the Penal Code, p. 3
  288. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  289. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  290. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  291. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  292. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  293. Relationships Act 2008 (Vic)
  294. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  295. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  296. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  297. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  298. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  299. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  300. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  301. Script error: No such module "cite".
  302. [1]
  303. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  304. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  305. Script error: No such module "cite".
  306. Script error: No such module "cite".
  307. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  308. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  309. Script error: No such module "cite".
  310. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  311. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  312. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  313. a b c d Script error: No such module "Cite".
  314. a b c d Script error: No such module "Cite".
  315. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  316. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  317. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  318. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  319. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  320. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  321. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  322. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  323. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  324. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  325. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  326. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  327. a b Script error: No such module "Cite".
  328. Template:In lang Script error: No such module "Cite".
  329. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  330. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  331. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  332. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  333. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  334. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  335. Script error: No such module "Cite".
  336. Script error: No such module "Cite".

External links

Script error: No such module "Side box".

Template:Criminalization of homosexuality Template:LGBT rights footer Template:Law country lists Template:Particular human rightsScript error: No such module "navbox".