Countries where being openly gay is against the law

Where is homosexuality still outlawed? There are 64 countries that have laws that criminalise homosexuality, and nearly half of these are in Africa. 14 countries criminalise the gender identity and/or expression of transgender people, using so-called ‘cross-dressing’, ‘impersonation’ and ‘disguise’ laws. In many openly countries transgender people are targeted by a range of laws that criminalise same-sex activity and vagrancy, hooliganism and public order offences.

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 country authorities in Iran and Nigeria(in the northern third of the country). If you’re lesbian or gay and travelling abroad, it’s sensible to check the laws governing sex and sexuality in whichever country you’re the.

Dozens of countries still imprison LGBTQ+ people, and nine still threaten the death penalty. Another of the world’s most gay-friendly countries, Sweden has legalized both marriage and adoption for same-sex couples, installed anti-discrimination protections for both gender identity and sexual orientation, encoded constitutional protections against discrimination, and criminalized violence against LGBTQI+ people.

Humans Economy Nature Technology Arts view all. Consensual same-sex sexual activity is considered a crime, and those convicted can face imprisonment, flogging, and even the death penalty. I hereby confirm that I wish to receive FairPlanet's newsletter. While less prevalent, the penalties available tend to be more severe, with the death penalty imposed or at least a legal possibility in 11 Muslim-majority countries.

However decriminalisation is law, the where and tireless advocacy of LGBT organisations and activists is essential. Queer politics has been a force for change; celebrate how far we've come. Related Articles of Human Rights Art. Saudi Arabia The Wahabbi interpretation of Sharia law in Saudi Arabia maintains that acts of homosexuality should be disciplined in the being way as adultery - with death by stoning.

Not only did Britain export laws criminalising LGBT people, but the broader sexual offence regime imposed on colonised states was, and continues to be, discriminatory against other marginalised groups including women, children, and people with disabilities. Queer politics has been a force for change — celebrate how far we've come Jeanette Winterson.

In 12 of these countries, the death penalty is either enforced or remains a possibility for private, consensual same-sex sexual activity. However, he pointed to some positive developments, in countries including Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Tunisia, where advocates have recently won court cases affirming the right to form organisations to lobby for rights. When they seek help from authorities, they may be further victimised, as police and other officials may ignore their complaints or even arrest them on charges of homosexuality.

Founder of online dating site Gaydar dies aged A smaller number of countries have achieved decriminalisation through litigation, with successful legal challenges leading courts to declare criminalising provisions unlawful. The Syariah Penal Code in Brunei permits the administration of the death penalty for acts against sodomy; however, the country has had a moratorium on executions sinceand instead punishes homosexuality with whipping and up to 30 years of prison for men and 10 years for women.

Same-sex marriage will become legal in Germany this year. A parliamentary vote in Germany will lead to the legalisation of same-sex marriage later this year; marriage equality in Malta will bring to 24 the number of states allowing gay marriage. Laws which gay LGBT people are invariably framed in a way which criminalises sexual acts rather than identities.

Goal Nr. Read more about our support for litigation and legislation reform work.

Most gay-friendly countries 2024

Their commitment to overturn discriminatory laws has seen the tally of criminalising countries gradually fall. Additionally, the existence of these provisions encourages police officers to act beyond the exact letter of the law, and arrest, charge, and prosecute people based upon their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity even where no prohibited act has been committed or can be proven.

The resulting dataset included 6, country-question-years meaning results for a particular country in a particular year for a particular question under analysis with 98 different question wordings, different countries and locations, and 37 years.

Another significant source of criminalisation is Islamic law. With the exception of Eswatini and Namibia, where the sentences available are unknown, the maximum prison sentences available, with or without fines, are as follows:. Nevertheless, queer people in the country face persecution, imprisonment and harassment.