In 2015,
the United States Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage bans are
unconstitutional and the Republic of Ireland became the first country in the
world to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote following a countrywide
referendum. While stigma against LGBT communities is certainly lessening in
some countries, many continue to criminalize same-sex sexual contact.
New
research published by International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex
Association (ILGA) serves as a stark reminder of just how widespread
criminalization can be. In a total of 74 countries, same-sex contact is a
criminal. In 13 countries, being gay or bisexual is punishable by death. These
are; Sudan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Mauritania, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Qatar,
UAE, parts of Nigeria, parts of Somalia, parts of Syria and parts of Iraq.
17
countries bans are in place to prohibit “propaganda” interpreted as promoting
LGBTQ communities or identities. These are; Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco,
Nigeria, Somalia, Tunisia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Syria, Lithuania and Russia.
Surprisingly,
a total of 40 countries retain a “gay panic” clause which enables people to use
as a defense for committing crimes such as assault or murder that they were
provoked because the person was gay, lesbian or bisexual. It is believed
transphobic laws and attitudes are also very common as part of persecution
specifically targeted at transgender communities.
Lesbian
and bisexual women often experience persecution for their sexual orientation.
‘Corrective rape’ and forced marriages are common in some countries on the
basis that this can ‘cure’ them.
In 17
countries, bans are in place to prohibit ‘propaganda’ interpreted as promoting
LBGTQ communities or identities. These are; Algeria, Egypt, Libya Morocco,
Nigeria, Somalia, Tunisia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Syria, Lithuania and Russia.
