Art, obsession, and identity
Even though we're in the 21st century, sadly, equality for LGBTQ+ people around the world has a long way to go. In fact, being part of the LGBTQ+ community can often mean risking a prison sentence, or even death. While over 30 countries around the world have legalized same-sex marriage and about as many allow for joint adoption by same-sex couples, same-sex sexual activity is still illegal in over 60 countries.
Several countries are working to get rid of archaic laws, but, unfortunately, others are becoming even more extreme in their persecution of the LGBTQ+ community. To discover which, check out this gallery for all the countries where homosexuality is still illegal.
Afghanistan’s Sharia law criminalizes same-sex sexual acts for both men and women, with a maximum of the death penalty.
The North African nation outlaws same-sex relations. Sentences include two months to two years in prison, and a fine of between 500 and 2,000 Algerian dinars (US$5 to $20).
Bangladesh criminalizes LGBTQ+ people and sexual activity between males. One can face 10 years to life in prison.
Brunei outlaws same-sex relations and criminalizes gender expression, meaning a man 'posing' as a woman or vice versa. Maximum punishment for same-sex conduct is death by stoning. The punishment for gender expression is up to three months in prison, or a fine of up to US$1,000 (or both).
Sexual relations with someone of the same sex is illegal in Burundi. The sentence is three months to two years in prison and/or a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 francs (US$30 to $60).
Another country that outlaws same-sex relations, one can face six months to five years in prison and a fine of CFA 20,000 to 200,000 (US$35 to $350) in Cameroon.
Chad criminalizes sexual relations with someone of the same sex. Sentences include three months to two years in prison, as well as a fine of 50,000 to 500,000 FCFA (US$87-$870).
This small federal republic of Russia has long been a cause of concern for human rights organizations, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ lives. Since 2017, there have been frequent abductions and killings of gay and bisexual men.
The volcanic archipelago nation off Africa’s east coast also outlaws same-sex relations. The sentence is two to five years in prison and a fine of 50,000 to 1 million francs (US$120 to $2,320).
Same-sex relations are also illegal in the Caribbean nation of Dominica. An adult can face four to 10 years in prison, and admission to a psychiatric hospital if ordered by a court. It's five years in prison if committed by a minor.
Egypt criminalizes LGBTQ+ people and sexual activity between males. The maximum penalty is three years in prison. One may also be placed in "special reformatory" upon completion of the prison sentence.
The east African nation criminalizes same-sex relations. One may face five to seven years in prison.
The small African country criminalizes sexual activity between males. The sentence is unspecified.
Ethiopia is another country that outlaws same-sex relations. The sentence is up to 15 years in prison.
The Gambia Criminal Code from 1965 criminalizes same-sex relations with up to 14 years in prison. The criminal code was amended in 2005 to include same-sex acts between women, punishable by up to five years in prison. In 2014, it was further amended to include "aggravated homosexuality," which carries punishments of up to life in prison.
The west African nation also outlaws same-sex relations, with up to three years in prison.
Another Caribbean nation that outlaws same-sex relations, LGBTQ+ people in Grenada face up to 10 years in prison.
The penal code of Guinea criminalizes same-sex relations with six months to three years in prison.
Guyana criminalizes "acts of gross indecency" between men with two years in prison. The criminal code also sentences any person convicted of sodomy to life in prison.
In accordance with Sharia law, homosexual intercourse between men can be punished by death, and men can be flogged with 31 to 100 lashes for lesser acts such as kissing. Women may also be flogged.
Jamaica criminalizes sexual activity between males, with 10 years in prison and hard labor.
In Kenya, same-sex relations are punished with five years for "indecent practices between males," or 14 years for "carnal knowledge against the order of nature."
According to the penal code from 1977, same-sex relations between males is punishable with up to 14 years in prison.
In Kuwait, same-sex relations between men is punishable with up to seven years in prison.
Lebanon criminalizes sexual activity between males and the gender expression of trans people as well. Maximum punishment is six years in prison.
Liberia criminalizes sexual activity between males and between women, with a maximum sentence of one year in prison.
The Libyan penal code from 1973 outlaws same-sex relations between males and females. One can face up to five years in prison.
In 2010, Malawi amended its penal code from 1930 to include criminal penalties for sexual relations between consenting adult women. Men can face up to 14 years in prison, and women five years.
Each Malayan state's Sharia criminal code, applicable only to Muslims, prohibits some forms of "cross-dressing" and same-sex relations. Maximum punishment includes 20 years of imprisonment and whipping.
In the Maldives, same-sex relations are punishable with up to eight years imprisonment and 100 lashes.
Muslim men engaging in same-sex relations can be stoned to death, according to a 1984 law. Women face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to MRO 60,000 (US$210).
Morocco criminalizes sexual activity between males and between females. Sentences include six months to three years in prison, plus fines of between 120 and 1,000 dirhams (US$10 to $110).
The penal code from 1861 criminalizes same-sex conduct with up to 20 years in prison. The gender expression of trans people is also illegal.
Nigerian federal law classifies homosexual behavior as a felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 14 years. However, several states have adopted Sharia law and imposed a death penalty for men.
Oman outlaws same-sex relations and forms of gender expression, which is punishable with up to three years of imprisonment.
LGBTQ+ rights in Pakistan are a taboo topic. Same-sex relations are illegal and punishable by a fine, and/or imprisonment from two years to life. In 1990, Sharia law was introduced, making homosexual acts punishable by whipping or death, if repeated.
Same-sex relations are illegal in the Gaza Strip. The maximum penalty is up to 10 years in prison.
Papua New Guinea criminalizes same-sex sexual activity between males. The maximum sentence is up to 14 years in prison.
Same-sex relations of any kind are illegal in Qatar and punishable by up to seven years in prison. Muslims in the country, for whom Sharia law applies, may face the death penalty if having engaged in extramarital sex, regardless if it's same-sex or not.
The island nation outlaws same-sex relations for both men and women. The maximum punishment is 10 years in prison.
Just like its neighbor Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also outlaws same-sex relations for both men and women. The maximum punishment is 10 years in prison.
Under their Crime Act from 2013, Samoa also outlaws same-sex relations. One can be sentenced with up to five years in prison.
Under the country’s Sharia law, a married man engaging in sodomy or any non-Muslim who commits sodomy with a Muslim can be stoned to death. All sexual relations outside of marriage are illegal.
Senegal criminalizes same-sex sexual activity between men and between women. Sentences include a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and a fine.
Another nation that criminalizes same-sex relations between men, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment.
This South Pacific island is also strict when it comes to same-sex relations. One can face up to 14 years in prison.
The penal code stipulates prison from three months to three years, but in some southern regions Islamic courts have imposed Sharia law and the death penalty.
South Sudan outlaws same-sex relations and forms of gender expression. Maximum punishment is 14 years imprisonment and a fine.
Sri Lanka criminalizes same-sex sexual activity between men and between women. The gender expression of trans people is also criminalized. One can face up to 10 years in prison.
Three-time offenders under the sodomy law can be put to death. First and second convictions result in flogging and imprisonment.
The Middle Eastern nation also outlaws same-sex relations, with up to three years in prison.
Same-sex acts are illegal in Tanzania, and sentences include a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Togo also outlaws same-sex acts, with sentences of one to three years in prison. The fines are between 100,000 and CFA 500,000 (US$170 to $870).
Same-sex relations are prohibited under the Criminal Offenses Act, which criminalizes acts of sodomy. This provision carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and whipping.
While the French version of the penal code refers only to sodomy, the official Arabic penal code explicitly outlaws same-sex relations. Sentences include a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment.
Turkmenistan criminalizes homosexuality between men. Sentences include a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment.
On this small island nation, homosexuality is punishable with up to 14 years in prison.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and not tolerated in Uganda's conservative society. In May 2023, Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni signed into law the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023. Ugandan law, which already punished same-sex conduct with life in prison, now includes the death penalty for the crime of "aggravated homosexuality."
All sexual acts outside of marriage are banned, and those convicted can be imprisoned for up to a year. The penal code isn't explicitly clear about homosexuality being a capital crime or not. However, the legal lingo can be interpreted as making same-sex relations between men a capital crime.
The former Soviet state prohibits homosexuality under the Criminal Code 1994. This provision carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment. Only men are criminalized under this law.
Yemen follows Sharia law, under which homosexuality is illegal. Married men can be sentenced to death, while unmarried men face whipping or one year in prison. Women face up to seven years in prison.
Zambia criminalizes same-sex sexual activity between men and between women. The maximum penalty is of 14 years’ imprisonment.
Homosexuality is prohibited under the Criminal Law Act 2006, which criminalizes acts of sodomy. The maximum penalty is one year imprisonment and a fine. This only applies to men.
Sources: (Human Rights Watch) (Human Dignity Trust)
These are all the countries where homosexuality is illegal
To be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender in these counties is to be a criminal
LIFESTYLE Lgbtq+
Even though we're in the 21st century, sadly, equality for LGBTQ+ people around the world has a long way to go. In fact, being part of the LGBTQ+ community can often mean risking a prison sentence, or even death. While over 30 countries around the world have legalized same-sex marriage and about as many allow for joint adoption by same-sex couples, same-sex sexual activity is still illegal in over 60 countries.
Several countries are working to get rid of archaic laws, but, unfortunately, others are becoming even more extreme in their persecution of the LGBTQ+ community. To discover which, check out this gallery for all the countries where homosexuality is still illegal.