The countries of the world have a wide variety of laws relating to sexual relations between people of the same sex - everything from full same-sex marriage to the death penalty as punishment for homosexual intercourse. Among the first laws on same-sex relations ca. 600 BC are those in ancient Crete and Sparta, which encouraged all adult men to engage in mentoring homoerotic friendships.
The first recorded laws against sexual intercourse between men are dated by scholars to circa 550 BC, during the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people; they are recorded in Leviticus (though conservative scholars date Leviticus much older), and they prescribe the death penalty. It is largely seen as a distinction between Judaism and Paganism on par with worshiping "false gods". At the time same-sex relations were incorporated into many Pagan religions. This pattern was continued throughout history with punitive laws arising from traditional interpretations of Judaism and its descendants: Christianity and Islam. With the advent of colonialism this attitude spread along with political control from the imperial powers of the Abrahamic religions. In post-colonial times some non-Abrahamic religions have maintained their adoptive views of homosexuality. Usually an Abrahamic religion is the primary factor when accounting for a law against homosexuality and the major supporter.
Christian psychologists in Europe also attempted to rationalize the negative views of sodomy predominant in Europe in the middle ages with secular language, calling it a disease, by which means it was later absorbed as non-religious science in Communist states.
In addition to laws against the practice of homosexuality, many countries around the world consider calling a person homosexual sufficient grounds for a libel lawsuit. For example, Jason Donovan and Liberace have sued newspapers that ran articles insinuating they were gay; both men won their lawsuits.
This is a list of laws around the world concerning homosexuality. The list is arranged alphabetically by region. It should be noted that this list should not be assumed to represent a standard for measuring a nation's views, per se. Many nations which retained negative laws for a lengthy period of time, or even retain them today, may in practice be less oppressive of homosexuality than this suggests, with such laws simply being unenforced anachronisms. Similarly, a country which lacks formal laws against it may possess a culture which is openly hostile and may chose to persecute individuals by other means. No country in the world just crimilizes lesbianism or female-female sex, usually all homosexuality or just male homosexuality is still illegal in about 70 countries and/or even heterosexual sodomy (Sodomy is not just anal sex, it can also include oral sex, fornification or any sexual behavoiur that does not lead to procreation or birth of a child within marriage. The age of consent is equal - Unless it is noted below:
For greater depth in coverage see these related articles.
Contents
1Homosexuality laws
1.1Africa
1.2Asia
1.3Europe
1.4North America
1.5Oceania
1.6South America
2See also
3External links
Homosexuality laws
Country names marked "(☆)" feature special "Gay rights" articles about the country in question.
*Although not illegal, Prostitution law used against gay males and commonly oppressed with vague morality laws. Page 13 of [2] and Gay rights in Egypt.
*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. Any content, avocating groups or associations, support, talking to, marriage, etc regarding LGBT persons can land you in jail for at least four years [5]. See Gay rights in Nigeria.
*The Anti-Corruption Commission stated in a press release that in a bid to attract competent and qualified staff, they operate a transparent recruitment policy, which even forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
In Zanzibar male homosexual acts are punished with up to 25 years imprisonment or fine. Lesbian acts are punished with up 7 years imprisonment or fine. See Gay rights in Tanzania.
? - Unsure if homosexuality is a crime or not since the country is under extreme war, but the death penalty (imposed under the Taliban) is no longer used. The Penal Code from 1976 in force, stipulates long imprisonment for adultery and pederasty. [13] and Gay rights in Afghanistan.
*In 2004, the penal code of Bhutan, page 9 of [14]. However, there are no known cases of anyone having ever been charged with this petty misdemeanor. Little is known about gay life in Bhutan, as Bhutanese culture does not share the typical western view of heterosexuality and homosexuality. Some people have even called it an openly bisexual society, though this is disputed. [15].
*Law remains on books since 1860, but government does not prosecute, criminalizes "carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman, or animal". Section 377 is currently facing constitutional challenge in the Delhi High Court in a petition filed by Naz Foundation.[1] Homosexual marriages are de facto banned. See Gay rights in India.
*In 2002, the Aceh province was given the right to instate Islamic sharia by laws by the national parliament. Such law only applies to Muslims, and for example the city of Palembang in South Sumatra has introduced jail time and hefty fines, for homosexual sex [17] and in 2003, a proposal to nationally criminalize homosexuality failed.
Sex change operations have been given official government support as means to cure a gender identity disease. Law in Iran, in general, is not formally in order and is often abused by government officials. Executions for homosexuality continue, most recently teenagers Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni. See LGBT rights in Iran.
*No provisions of the current Iraqi criminal code deal with homosexuality. The U.S. occupation restored the criminal code back to its original 1969 edition. Before 2003, the criminal code was amended in 2001 to include the death penalty for homosexuality. However currently, death squads are operating in the country killing gays. [18] and Gay rights in Iraq.
Fairly strong support for giving legal recognition to same-sex couples. Only Middle Eastern nation to support gay rights legislation. The armed forces of Israel allow service without any distinction based on sexual orientation. See Gay rights in Israel.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was himself jailed for homosexuality, has called for their repeal. The daughter of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Marina Mahathir, has called for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation.[21] However, as Prime Minister, her father warned gay ministers in foreign countries not to visit his nation. [22].
*Malehomosexuality is illegal in Gaza, by the Criminal Code Ordinance 1936 still in force. Some are arrested or tortured and LGBT Palestinians often attempt to flee to Israel as they are targeted for death in PA-controlled areas. [27], [28] and Gay Palestinian issues.
*Law is rarely enforced, usually when it suspects risk of HIV infections during events such as sex parties [29]. A new Penal Code reduces to 2 years in "maintained" section 377A. Government officials have made calls to embrace diversity and to legalize anal and oral sex (For male homosexual sex). Former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong stated that openly gay people can be employed in the civil workforce. See Gay rights in Singapore.
No mention of homosexuality in Constitution or Civil Penal Code, although in practice widespread discrimination against gay people and censorship against gay websites is fairly common. Military Penal Code states up to a maximum of one year servitude or dishonorable discharge for homosexual acts performed while on active duty. See Gay rights in South Korea.
Same-sex marriages banned since 1998. Reports suggest that this ban extends to a prohibition on domestic partnerships and civil unions and/or having any sort of public commitment celebration.
Constitutional protection for sexual orientation in Sweden since 2003 and partnerships have the same rights as heterosexual marriage including adoption, but are legally distinct from marriage. See Gay rights in Sweden.
The Dutch Government states that as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Aruba is obliged to recognize civil unions and same-sex marriage as valid. However, the Aruban Government says it won't recognize them. A judge ruled in favor of the Dutch Government, case is now pending in higher court. See Gay rights in Aruba
*Homosexuality re-criminalized from 2003. See[45] and also under section 26 ii (d) of the immigration act 1958, "Any prostitute or homosexual or any person who may be living on or receiving or may have been living on or receiving the proceeds of prostitution or homosexual behavior." is outlawed from incoming to Belize. See[46].
No, the age of consent (The "age of protection" as it is called in Canada) 18 for anal sex, 14 for all non-anal sex, regardless of sexuality of the participants, from
