LGBTQ Treatment In The World

While LGBTQ right have made considerable progress in some parts of the world, a surprising number of countries still punish same-sex relationships with life in prison or even death.

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.