Countries Where Being LGBTQ+ Is Illegal in 2025: UAE, Mali and 63 Others

The Global Landscape of LGBTQ+ Rights in 2025

The issue of LGBTQ+ rights continues to evolve, with some progress made while many countries still enforce laws that criminalise same-sex relationships and gender diversity. As of 2025, over 60 jurisdictions around the world have legal frameworks that make it illegal to be gay or transgender. This figure includes both full countries and territories, highlighting a persistent global challenge for the LGBTQ+ community.

Recent Developments

In recent years, there have been notable shifts. For example, Namibia has taken steps to decriminalise LGBTQ+ activity, marking a positive change in the region. However, other nations like Mali have introduced new laws that criminalise same-sex sexual activity, while Trinidad and Tobago have re-criminalised such acts. These developments underscore the ongoing struggle for equality and the need for continued advocacy.

Historical Context: Colonial Influence

A significant portion of these anti-LGBTQ+ laws can be traced back to colonial history, particularly British colonialism. Many of these laws were imposed on former colonies during the colonial era and have remained in place despite changing social norms. According to Alistair Stewart from the Human Dignity Trust, these laws are rooted in religious and secular legal codes that were exported by European powers across the globe.

This historical context is crucial. It explains why many Commonwealth countries, which were once under British rule, still have laws that criminalise same-sex activity. In fact, more than half of the countries that currently criminalise LGBTQ+ people can trace their laws back to Britain. This legacy of colonial-era penal codes has had lasting effects on the lives of queer individuals in these regions.

Impact of Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws

The consequences of these laws extend far beyond legal repercussions. They contribute to widespread discrimination in areas such as employment, education, and housing. Even when not strictly enforced, the mere existence of these laws perpetuates stigma and prejudice, making LGBTQ+ individuals vulnerable to harassment, extortion, and violence.

Julia Ehrt, executive director of ILGA World, highlights the importance of understanding this context. She notes that anti-LGBTQ+ laws prevent queer communities from coming together, often forcing individuals to live in secrecy. This isolation can lead to increased violence within families and on the streets, further exacerbating the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people.

New Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope. Several countries have recently removed themselves from the list of places where being gay is illegal. For instance, Barbados, Mauritius, the Cook Islands, and Dominica have taken steps towards decriminalisation. Additionally, Namibia has joined this list, offering a glimmer of optimism for the future.

However, the situation in some countries remains dire. For example, Indonesia’s new criminal code, passed in December 2022, criminalises sexual intercourse outside of marriage, which could have severe implications for LGBTQ+ individuals. Similarly, countries like Afghanistan and Iran impose harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for same-sex activity.

The Role of International Support

Efforts to combat anti-LGBTQ+ laws require international support. Activists in western countries must listen to local communities and work alongside them to advocate for change. The international community plays a vital role in supporting local movements through various means, including financial aid, diplomatic pressure, and awareness campaigns.

Respect for local cultures and traditions is essential in these efforts. As Stewart emphasizes, the international community should look to local LGBT organisations for guidance on how to best support their struggles against criminalisation and discrimination.

Countries Still Criminalising LGBTQ+ Activity

Here is a comprehensive list of the 64 countries and territories where LGBTQ+ identities are still criminalised:

• Afghanistan: Death penalty for LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Bangladesh: Life imprisonment for same-sex relations between men.
• Brunei: Death penalty for men, caning or imprisonment for women.
• Indonesia: Criminalises same-sex activity, with potential for increased persecution.
• Iran: Imprisonment or death for same-sex activity.
• Iraq: Persecution under Sharia law and “immodest acts.”
• Kuwait: Up to seven years in prison for same-sex activity between men.
• Lebanon: Up to one year in prison for same-sex activity between men.
• Malaysia: Up to 20 years in prison and whipping.
• Maldives: Up to eight years in prison and 100 lashes.
• Myanmar: Up to 10 years in prison for sex between men.
• Oman: Up to three years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Pakistan: Life imprisonment for “carnal knowledge against the order of nature.”
• Palestine: Illegal in Gaza, with little enforcement.
• Qatar: Up to seven years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Saudi Arabia: Illegal for both men and women, with criminalisation of trans people.
• Sri Lanka: Up to 10 years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Syria: Up to three years in prison for same-sex relations.
• Turkmenistan: Up to two years in prison for same-sex activity between men.
• United Arab Emirates: Up to 14 years in prison, with possible death penalty under Sharia law.
• Uzbekistan: Up to three years in prison for same-sex activity between men.
• Yemen: Death by stoning for same-sex activity, though rarely enforced.
• Algeria: Up to three years in prison for “acts of homosexuality” and “public indecency.”
• Burundi: Up to two years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Cameroon: Up to five years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Chad: Up to two years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Comoros: Up to five years in prison for “improper or unnatural acts.”
• Egypt: Up to three years in prison for “indecency” or “debauchery.”
• Eritrea: Up to seven years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Eswatini: Illegal, but no evidence of enforcement.
• Ethiopia: Up to one year in prison for same-sex activity.
• Ghana: Up to three years in prison for sex between men.
• Guinea: Up to three years in prison for “indecent acts.”
• Kenya: Up to 14 years in prison for sex between men.
• Liberia: Up to one year in prison for same-sex activity.
• Libya: Up to five years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Malawi: Moratorium on enforcement since 2014.
• Mali: Prohibited under the 2024 Penal Code.
• Mauritania: Death by stoning, with a de-facto moratorium.
• Morocco: Up to three years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Nigeria: Criminalised under the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act.
• Senegal: Up to five years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Sierra Leone: Life in prison for sex between men.
• Somalia: Up to three years in prison, with possible application of Sharia law.
• South Sudan: Up to 14 years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Sudan: Life in prison for same-sex activity.
• Tanzania: Life in prison for same-sex activity.
• The Gambia: Life in prison for same-sex activity.
• Togo: Up to three years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Tunisia: Up to three years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Uganda: Life in prison for same-sex activity.
• Zambia: Up to 14 years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Zimbabwe: Up to one year in prison for sex between men.
• Grenada: Up to 10 years in prison for sex between men.
• Guyana: Life in prison for sex between men.
• Jamaica: Up to 10 years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Saint Lucia: Up to 10 years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Up to 10 years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Trinidad and Tobago: Re-criminalised for same-sex intimacy.
• Kiribati: Up to 14 years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Papua New Guinea: Up to 14 years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Samoa: Up to five years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Solomon Islands: Up to 14 years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Tonga: Up to 10 years in prison for same-sex activity.
• Tuvalu: Up to 14 years in prison for same-sex activity.

Looking Ahead

While the situation remains challenging, there is hope for progress. Continued advocacy, international support, and a focus on respecting local communities are essential in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. As more countries move towards decriminalisation, the global landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals may gradually shift towards greater acceptance and inclusion.