In 63 countries and territories it is an offense for a man to have sex with other men. In almost ten countries homosexuality is even punishable by death. Please note that while not illegal, in many countries homosexuality is extremely dangerous. An overview with current facts.
1 Afghanistan (death pentalty)
Homosexual actions are punishable by death in Afghanistan. Homosexuality and clothing as the other sex are strictly forbidden. When the victim is a homosexual family member, honor killings are much less punishable. Homosexuality is punishable by life imprisonment under Criminal Code Article 427. Convicted gay males are sentenced to death by the Taliban.
2 Algeria (3 years in prison)
In North African Algeria, homosexuality is outlawed. According to Article 338 of the Algerian constitution, men who have sex with men face up to two years in prison. Men who have sex with men face a fine of up to 2,000 Algerian dinars. If a male over the age of eighteen has sex with a boy under the age of eighteen, he will be condemned to three years in prison and fined 10,000 Algerian dinars.
3 Bangladesh (life in prison)
In Bangladesh, homosexuality is outlawed. In that Asian country, you may be imprisoned for life. According to Article 337 of the Criminal Code, anybody who “voluntarily has sexual intercourse against the order of nature with a man, woman, or animal” faces life in jail. Homosexuality is not widely accepted in Bangladesh.
4 Brunei (10 years in prison or death penalty)
Homosexuality is illegal in Brunei. A heinous anti-gay statute was enacted in April 2014. Homosexuality is a ten-year prison sentence in the oil state. Men who have sex with men will face the death penalty as of April 3, 2019. In 2015, a government official was sentenced to 60 days in prison and a $1,000 fine for dressed as a woman.
5 Burundi (2 years in prison)
Men who have sex with men and women who have sex with women face up to two years in prison in Burundi. There are also significant fines involved.
6 Comoros (5 years in prison)
This state sees homosexuality as unnatural. Prison sentences are up to 5 years.
7 Cook Islands (14 years in prison)
Homosexuality is a criminal offense in the fifteen Cook Islands. Men who have sex with men risk a prison sentence of 14 years, but women who have sex with women do not break the law.
8 Dominica (10 years in prison)
Men who have sex with guys on this Caribbean island face up to ten years in prison. Males who are convicted face being admitted to a mental health clinic. 35 men were convicted between 1995 and 2000. In addition, at least 15 women were sentenced to prison terms of up to 5 years in 2001. A spiritual leader took the initiative in 2009 to prohibit gay visitors from visiting the island. Yet, a formal ban never arrived.
9 Eritrea (7 years in prison)
Homosexual acts are a criminal offense in Eritrea. In the East African country you can end up in prison for up to seven years. A law for this was amended in 2015.
10 Ethiopia (5 to 15 years in prison)
Men who have sex with men and women who have sex with women face prison sentences of up to 5 years in Ethiopia. Ninety-seven percent of the population believed that LGBT people should not be tolerated ten years ago.
11 Gambia (14 years in prison)
In Gambia, as a gay person, you risk extremely long prison sentences. A law for this was signed in 2014. Homosexual acts are also punishable for women. You are already at risk in Gambia if you attempt to enter into homosexual contacts, even as a tourist.
12 Ghana (3 years in prison)
In Ghana, men who have sex with men have been a criminal offense since 1892.
13 Grenada (10 years in prison)
Men who have sex with men are committing a criminal act on the Caribbean island of Grenada. According to the criminal book, they risk 10 years in prison. Having sex with women as a woman is not an offence.
14 Guinea (6 months to 10 years in prison)
Homosexuality is a criminal offense in Guinea. According to Article 325, men who have sex with men risk 5 months to 10 years in prison. In addition, they must pay a fine of 100,000 to 1 million Guinean francs.
15 Guyana (life in prison)
Homosexuality carries heavy penalties in Guyana. Homosexuality is punishable by 2 years imprisonment. Men who ‘try’ to have sex with other men face a 10-year prison sentence and those caught having sex risk life in prison. Women who behave indecently are also punishable.
16 Iran (death sentence)
Iran has imposed a death sentence for homosexual activities since 1930. The tale of Mahmoud Asgari (16) and Ayaz Marhoni, two teens, is well-known (18). They were murdered in front of everyone for being gay.
17 Jamaica (10 years in prison)
In Jamaica, the lives of LGBT individuals are miserable. Anal sex of either gender can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years. It was revealed in 2015 that many gay people rely on the sewers for their survival. Young individuals who are rejected by their families frequently wind up living on the streets. Human Rights Watch published a thorough report in 2014 that included interviews with 71 gay and lesbian victims of assault.
18 Jemen (death sentence)
In Yemen, homosexuality is dangerous. According to Sharia law, men who have sex with other men are punished with 100 lashes. If an individual is apprehended a second time, he may be sentenced to death by stoning. This applies to married males as well.
19 Cameroon (5 years in prison)
Men who have sex with men in Cameroon risk a prison sentence of 6 months to 5 years according to Article 347-1 of the Penal Code. In addition, they must pay 20,000 to 200,000 francs.
20 Kenya (14 to 21 years in prison)
Since 1897, homosexuality has been a crime in Kenya under Articles 162, 163, and 165 of the Criminal Code. The range of prison terms is between 5 and 14 years. In May 2017, 17 further Ugandan LGBT refugees were detained in Kenya during a protest, and in 2014, the government passed anti-gay laws. It’s gotten so bad that in November of 2017 it was reported that two male lions who were ‘found’ engaging in sexual activity had to undergo rehabilitation.
21 Kiribati (14 years in prison)
On the Kiribati archipelago in Oceania, homosexuality is severely punished. Men who have sex with men risk up to 14 years in prison.
22 Kuwait (7 years in prison)
According to Article 193 of the Criminal Code, males who have intercourse with other men face up to seven years in jail. Since 2008, it has become a crime to “dress as the opposing sex.” Foreigners are also guilty of homosexuality. Men are frequently arrested in Kuwait for having sex with other guys. In 2013, the nation created a “gay test.” Using this exam, they hoped to prohibit homosexual males from entering the nation. In 2017, 76 males were deported over alleged homosexual orientation. In addition, 22 massage parlors were shut down for engaging in “gay acts.”
23 Lebanon (1 year in prison)
Men who have sex with men risk a 1 year prison sentence.
24 Liberia (1 to 3 years in prison)
In Liberia, men who have sex with men are punishable by imprisonment of 1 to 3 years and a fine of one thousand Liberian dollars. This applies to both women and men.
25 Libya (5 years in prison)
In Libya, both gay men and women are punishable by law. Prison sentences are up to 5 years by law. It is known that homosexual family members are murdered in honor killings in Libya.
26 Malawi (14 years in prison)
In this East African country, gays face a prison sentence of 14 years. According to Section 137A, lesbians are at risk of a 5-year prison sentence. In 2012, there was talk that this anti-gay law would change, but due to insufficient public support, former president Joyce Banda was unable to implement it.
27 Maldives (8 years in prison)
On the beautiful island group of Maldives, homosexuality is dangerous. Sharia law applies on the islands. Gays caught are at risk of house arrest, years in prison and some sources even claim the death penalty.
28 Malaysia (20 years in prison)
Homosexuality is strictly forbidden in Malaysia. Prison sentences are up to 20 years and that also applies to foreigners.
29 Morocco (3 years in prison)
In Morocco, homosexuality is punishable under Article 489. Males who have intercourse with other men face up to three years in jail and a fine of 1,200 dirhams (about 120 euros). Outsiders must exercise caution as well. Two guys were sentenced to six months in jail in February. Local media said that they had posted sexually provocative photos online. Towards the conclusion of 2017, the Moroccan Minister of Human Rights compared homosexuals to garbage.
30 Mauritania (death penalty)
In this strictly Islamic African country, homosexual acts are punishable by death. That is done in that country by stoning.
31 Mauritius (5 years imprisonment)
Men who have sex with men can be sentenced to 5 years in prison in Mauritius.
32 Myanmar (10 to 20 years in prison)
Gay activity is prohibited in Myanmar. It is perceived as a Western innovation and a symbol of the West’s degeneration. The administration indicated in 2015 that it will tighten down on homosexuals. Guys who have intercourse with other males face up to 20 years in jail.
33 Namibia (illegal)
For men, homosexuality has been a criminal offense in Namibia since 1920. Discrimination against gays is not prohibited, however, punishments are no longer carried out.
34 Nigeria (14 years in prison – death penalty)
Prison sentences for homosexuality in Nigeria are up to 14 years. In areas where Sharia law applies, homosexuality is punishable by death.
35 Uganda (life in prison)
In Uganda, homosexuality is extremely harmful. Both men and women can get penalties of up to life in prison. LGBT Ugandans encounter numerous insults, threats, and acts of violence. In 2016, there was an effort to organize a Gay Pride in Uganda, but the police forcefully prevented it.
36 Uzbekistan (3 years in prison)
Under Article 120, men who have sex with men in Uzbekistan risk a prison sentence of 3 years. Homosexuality is not a criminal offense for women.
37 Oman (3 years in prison)
In Oman, men who have sex with men are punishable by 3 months to 3 years in prison.
38 Pakistan (life in prison)
Homosexuality is a big taboo in Pakistan. Sentences run up to life imprisonment. Homosexuality is not generally accepted in Pakistan. Even if it seems innocent, sexuality and intimacy are viewed differently in Pakistan. This can lead to violent reactions’. In 2014, a man was murdered by three men because of his sexual orientation.
39 Papua New Guinea (14 years in prison)
Men who have sex with men risk a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
40 Qatar (life imprisonment)
Since 2004, under Article 294, men who have sex with men are punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison, however, according to ILGA World, men are at risk of life imprisonment.
41 Saint Lucia (10 years in prison)
Also at risk on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia are gay males. Guys who have intercourse with other males get up to ten years in jail. Since 2006, it has been illegal for an employer to discriminate against gay applicants.
42 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (10 years in prison)
On the archipelago of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, homosexuality is punishable under Article 148 of the Penal Code. Men who have sex with men risk up to 10 years in prison. Homosexuality carries a penalty of up to five years.
43 Solomon Islands (14 years in prison)
Men who have sex with men are punishable by 14 years in prison in the Solomon Islands.
44 Samoa (5 years in prison)
Cross-dressing and female behavior by men according to the traditional local culture in Samoa. However, homosexuality is punishable. Also for foreigners. Sentences run up to five years.
45 Saudi Arabia (death penalty)
In Saudi Arabia there are heavy penalties for homosexuality. In that country, the death penalty is even carried out on men who have sex with men. In 2014, a 24-year-old boy was sentenced to 450 lashes.
46 Senegal (5 years in prison)
Gay activity is prohibited in Senegal. If a person makes sexual contact with a minor of the same sex, he faces five years in jail. A survey reveals that 97% of Senegalese residents did not accept homosexuality in 2013.
47 Sierra Leone (life sentence)
In poor African Sierra Leone, homosexuality is a criminal offence. Men who have sex with men risk a life sentence.
48 somalia (3 years in prison)
Men who have sex with men risk a prison sentence of up to 3 years. However, executions of gays are not a criminal offense in Somalia.
49 Sri Lanka (10 years in prison)
Sri Lanka currently carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years for men who have sex with men. Homosexuality carries a penalty of up to two years.
50 Sudan (death sentence)
Homosexuality has been a criminal offense in Sudan since 1899. If someone is convicted of homosexuality for the first or second time, he risks a sentence of 5 lashes. A third conviction will result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
51 Swaziland (illegal)
In Swaziland, men who have sex with men risk a prison sentence. However, it is not known how long it is.
52 Syria (3 years in prison)
Men who have sex with men in Syria can be sentenced to up to three years in prison.
53 Tanzania (life sentence)
In Tanzania, homosexual males can be sentenced to life in prison and lesbian women to five years. Moreover, homosexuality is completely outlawed in Zanzibar. These laws apply to foreigners as well. The Tanzanian government vowed to imprison all Gay activists in June 2017. Some months later, twenty men were detained while attending an HIV course. In Tanzania, homosexuality is a major social taboo. LGBT individuals are not accepted in hospitals, and HIV education has been forbidden by the government.
In November of 2018, it was reported that the governor of Tanzania has commissioned a special squad to locate and imprison homosexuals. After the idea was unveiled, the governor requested the names of homosexuals. A Tanzanian minister described homosexuality as “unnatural” and “godless” during the same week.
54 Togo (3 years in prison)
In Togo, men who have sex with men risk a prison sentence of up to 3 years. There are also high fines for homosexuality.
55 Tonga (10 years in prison)
Articles 136 to 142 say that men who have sex with other men in Tonga can get up to 10 years in prison. Thus, many LGBT individuals relocate to Australia and New Zealand.
56 Chad (2 years in prison)
Since 2017, men who have sex with men have been a criminal offense in Chad. According to article 354 of the criminal book, they run the risk of a prison sentence of up to two years.
57 Tunisia (3 years in prison)
Since 1913, homosexuality has been outlawed in Tunisia. According to article 230, prison penalties can last up to three years. In December 2016, two further males were detained for sexual activity. On March 11, 2017, they were given an eight-month jail term.
58 Turkmenistan (2 years in prison)
In Turkmenistan, homosexuality carries a prison sentence of 2 years.
59 Tuvalu (14 years in prison)
Homosexuality is a criminal offense on the Tuvalu archipelago in Oceania. Sentences range up to 14 years in prison. Homosexuality is also a criminal offense for foreigners. Lesbian women are not punishable.
60 United Arab Emirates (death penalty)
Homosexuality is a criminal offense in the United Arab Emirates, where Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also located. Gays, including foreign ones, risk years of imprisonment or whipping. According to ILGA World, men who have sex with men are even sentenced to death.
61 Zambia (life imprisonment)
Men who have sex with men in Zambia risk a life sentence. Homosexuality in itself is also punishable: both men and women can receive a prison sentence of 14 years for this. This also applies to foreigners.
62 Zimbabwe (1 year in prison)
Since 1995, the government of Zimbabwe has been conducting major anti-gay campaigns against gays and lesbians. Homosexuality carries a one-year prison sentence. Former president Mugabe said in 2014 that gays should be beheaded.
63 South Sudan (10 years in prison)
Just like in Sudan, homosexuality is a criminal offense in South Sudan. Men who have sex with men face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
