Global Overview
The map below provides an overview of the jurisdictions across the world where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are criminalised. Scroll down below the map to access detailed country profiles. For a closer look at smaller islands in the Pacific and Caribbean, triple click the zoom button. You can also zoom in or out of any region using the plus and minus icons located in the. In Ghana, in a speech calling for "all people be treated equally" she appeared to criticise a bill before the country's parliament which criminalises advocacy for gay rights and proposes jail terms for those that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. The country's Speaker Alban Bagbin later called her remarks "undemocratic" and urged lawmakers not to be "intimidated by any person". Map of Jurisdictions that Criminalise LGBT People
Acceptance of the LGBT community continues to spread around the world, but homosexuality is still illegal in many parts of the world. This means that in January , 65 countries and other entities criminalise gay sex. But, although it declares consensual private same-sex intimacy a crime, the new law does not specify a punishment for that offense. 71 Countries Where Homosexuality is Illegal
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. Laws concerning gender identity-expression by country or territory. As of recent data, over 60 countries still enforce such laws, with penalties ranging from fines and imprisonment to the death penalty in extreme cases, particularly in parts of the Middle East and Africa. While progress has been made in some regions, with countries decriminalizing homosexuality and recognizing same-sex unions, the global landscape remains starkly divided, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. 
How many countries is it illegal to be gay? 65 as of July 2025
In February his year Kenya's highest court ruled that it was wrong for authorities to ban the gay community from registering a rights organisation. but it stressed that gay sex remains illegal. This week, the kingdom of Brunei enacted draconian laws that penalize same-sex relations and adultery with death by stoning. The news has sparked international outrage, and calls for a boycott of the Brunei-owned Dorchester Hotel chain , but it has also shined a spotlight on the reality that homosexuality and gender-nonconforming identities remains illegal in dozens of countries all over the world.
Countries where it's illegal to be gay
We take a look at all the countries and territories where it is still illegal to be gay or LGBTQ+ – and examine the role colonialism played. A strong global movement has improved respect for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender LGBT people around the world. However, at least 67 countries have national laws criminalizing same-sex relations between consenting adults. 
Homosexuality
A strong global movement has improved respect for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people around the world. However, at least 67 countries have national laws criminalizing same-sex relations between consenting adults. In addition, at least nine countries have national laws criminalizing forms of gender expression that target transgender and gender nonconforming. .
All 65 Countries Where It’s Illegal To Be LGBTQ+ In 2025
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 visiting. Dozens of countries still imprison LGBTQ+ people, and nine still threaten the death penalty. . 
UPDATE
The tally of countries with anti-homosexuality laws has again risen to 65 with last month’s official publication of a homophobic new penal code in Mali in West Africa, Erasing 76 Crimes reports. This means that in January , 65 countries (and other entities) criminalise gay sex. The new law provides for seven years in prison. .