LGBTQ rights by country or territory
Despite significant global progress in LGBTQ+ rights, several countries still enforce discriminatory laws that criminalize same-sex relationships or expressions of gender identity. These so-called gay fear laws often stem from colonial-era legislation, religious influence, or cultural conservatism, perpetuating stigma, violence, and inequality. Almost half of them are Commonwealth jurisdictions. Even in jurisdictions that do not explicitly criminalise women, lesbians and bisexual women have been subjected to arrest or threat of arrest.
Most Homophobic Countries 2025
65 countries have jurisdictions that still criminalise LGBT people. Together, we can bring this number down. A donation today will help continue our vital support for LGBT people and governments seeking to change laws around the world. 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. These are the 61 countries that criminalize homosexuality
Today, over five dozen countries still have laws making same-sex sexual relations illegal. Many of these laws stem from colonial rule. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. There are nearly twice as many countries that criminalize homosexuality than countries that have marriage equality. How many countries is it illegal to be gay? 65 as of July 2025
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. The last few months, in particular, have seen escalating threats to their lives and dignity, although progress has continued to happen even amid this severe crisis. Additional data and maps including on protection against discrimination, hate crime law, prohibition to incitement to hatred, and adoption by same-sex couples are available on the ILGA World Database. Global Lgbtq+ Rights
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 Legal identity change, surgery not required. 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. 
Maps of anti
The acceptance and tolerance of homosexual and LGBTQI+ individuals varies widely from one country to another. Some countries are considered quite gay-friendly and offer significant LGBTQI+ rights and protections to their LGBTQI+ populations —for instance, a growing number of countries have made gay marriage legal. Other countries are less welcoming. In these countries, not only is gay. .
Map of Jurisdictions that Criminalise LGBT People
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. . 
The countries where homosexuality is still illegal
Six of the 14 countries of the continent have passed anti-gay legislation. Kiribati and the Solomon Islands are the harshest enforcers of these laws, with sentences of up to 14 years for. .