Rights Your rights Which countries criminalise homosexuality? As of February 2025, 65 countries around the world criminalise consensual same-sex sexual activity. While some nations have made progress in decriminalisation and LGBTQ+ rights, others have introduced harsher penalties. The legal landscape continues to evolve, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equality and human rights. Recent Legal Changes Mali: In December 2024, Mali enacted a new penal code that criminalises same-sex relationships, imposing up to seven years in prison and a fine of 500,000 francs. Uganda: In May 2023, Uganda passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act, introducing severe penalties, including life imprisonment for same-sex relations and the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality." Maximum Sentences in Countries That Criminalise Homosexuality Life Imprisonment 🇬🇲 Gambia🇬🇭 Ghana🇹🇿 Tanzania🇸🇱 Sierra Leone🇧🇧 Barbados🇬🇾 Guyana🇧🇩 Bangladesh 20 Years 🇲🇾 Malaysia 17 Years 🇪🇬 Egypt 15 Years 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda 14 Years 🇰🇪 Kenya🇲🇼 Malawi🇿🇲 Zambia🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea🇹🇻 Tuvalu🇸🇧 Solomon Islands🇰🇮 Kiribati🇳🇬 Nigeria 10 Years 🇸🇸 South Sudan🇪🇹 Ethiopia🇩🇲 Dominica🇬🇩 Grenada🇯🇲 Jamaica🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis🇱🇨 Saint Lucia🇱🇰 Sri Lanka🇹🇴 Tonga🇿🇼 Zimbabwe🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 7 Years 🇼🇸 Samoa🇶🇦 Qatar🇰🇼 Kuwait 5 Years 🇨🇲 Cameroon🇸🇳 Senegal🇰🇲 Comoros🇲🇺 Mauritius 4 Years 🇱🇾 Libya 3 Years 🇲🇦 Morocco🇹🇬 Togo🇺🇿 Uzbekistan🇬🇳 Guinea🇪🇷 Eritrea🇴🇲 Oman🇸🇾 Syria🇹🇳 Tunisia 2 Years 🇩🇿 Algeria🇧🇮 Burundi🇹🇲 Turkmenistan🇵🇰 Pakistan 1 Year 🇱🇷 Liberia Undisclosed Penalties 🇹🇩 Chad🇳🇦 Namibia🇸🇿 Swaziland Countries Imposing Fines for Homosexuality Convictions 🇦🇴 Angola Countries Where Homosexuality Convictions May Lead to Corporal Punishment 🇲🇻 Maldives - Whipping for 20 strokes Countries That Impose the Death Penalty for Homosexuality 🇲🇷 Mauritania - Applicable to Muslim men🇳🇬 Nigeria - In northern states that enforce Sharia Law🇶🇦 Qatar - For Muslims, particularly in cases of extramarital sex🇸🇴 Somalia🇮🇷 Iran🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia🇾🇪 Yemen🇦🇫 Afghanistan - In areas controlled by extremist groups The legal situation surrounding LGBTQ+ rights is continuously changing. Some countries are making progress, while others continue to impose harsh penalties. It is crucial to stay informed and support the fight for equality worldwide. For further information, check the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association website. READ: Which countries have equal marriage? Manage Cookie Preferences