These are the 61 countries that criminalize homosexuality
14 countries criminalise the gender identity and/or expression of transgender people, using so-called ‘cross-dressing’, ‘impersonation’ and ‘disguise’ laws. In many more countries transgender people are targeted by a range of laws that criminalise same-sex activity and vagrancy, hooliganism and public order offences. 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.
LGBT Rights by Country 2025
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. 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. 71 Countries Where Homosexuality is Illegal
Acceptance of the LGBT community continues to spread around the world, but homosexuality is still illegal in many parts of the world. Articles about the production of food and other goods, including farming and fishing. Articles about crime rates, law enforcement, and public safety. 
List of 64 countries where homosexuality is illegal
Homosexuality is no longer as widely criminalized as it used to be, but a total of 65 nations still have laws against homosexuality. 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.
Homosexuality
Today, over five dozen countries still have laws making same-sex sexual relations illegal. Many of these laws stem from colonial rule. 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.
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. . Countries where it's illegal to be gay
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. . Map of Jurisdictions that Criminalise LGBT People
LGBTQI+ Rights Around the World LGBTQI+ rights vary greatly between countries. According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s annual report State-Sponsored Homophobia, same-sex conduct was criminalized in 67 of the United Nations’ member states in and was de facto illegal in two more. .