The following statements are an overview of the legal status of same-sex relationships, including marriage and protection against discrimination, in each individual country in the Global Directory. This guide provides insights into the prevailing societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals and same-sex relationships.
While we strive to keep the information as accurate and up-to-date as possible, it is essential to recognize that social attitudes and laws can evolve over time. So, we would like to ask users to verify any critical information through local sources and exercise caution when planning travel or making life decisions based on the data provided.
Sources:
AFRICA
| Algeria | Homosexuality is illegal and is punishable by imprisonment. |
| Angola | No specific laws against homosexuality, but societal attitudes can be hostile. |
| Benin | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Botswana | Homosexuality is legal, and the country has made efforts to recognize LGBTQ rights. |
| Burkina Faso | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Burundi | Homosexuality is illegal, and those convicted can face imprisonment. |
| Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are limited. |
| Cameroon | Homosexuality is illegal and can be punished with imprisonment. |
| Central African Republic (CAR) | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but societal attitudes are not accepting. |
| Chad | Homosexuality is illegal and can be punished with imprisonment. |
| Comoros | Homosexuality is illegal, but there have been few reports of prosecutions. |
| Congo, Republic of the | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Cote Divoire | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face societal discrimination. |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) | Homosexuality is legal, but societal attitudes can be hostile. |
| Djibouti | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face discrimination. |
| Egypt | Homosexuality is not explicitly criminalized, but other laws are used to prosecute LGBTQ individuals. |
| Equatorial Guinea | Homosexuality is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Eritrea | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face severe discrimination. |
| Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and can be punished with imprisonment. |
| Ethiopia | Homosexuality is illegal and can be punished with imprisonment. |
| Gabon | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Gambia | Homosexuality is illegal and can be punished with imprisonment. |
| Ghana | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Guinea | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face societal discrimination. |
| Guinea-Bissau | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are limited. |
| Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Kenya | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Lesotho | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face societal discrimination. |
| Liberia | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and there is little legal protection for LGBTQ rights. |
| Libya | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face severe persecution. |
| Madagascar | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Malawi | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face discrimination. |
| Mali | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Mauritania | Homosexuality is illegal and can be punished with death. |
| Mauritius | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, and there have been some efforts to protect LGBTQ rights. |
| Morocco | Homosexuality is illegal, but the law is rarely enforced. |
| Mozambique | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Namibia | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, and the country has made efforts to recognize LGBTQ rights. |
| Niger | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face societal discrimination. |
| Nigeria | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and can be punished with imprisonment or death (in some regions). |
| Rwanda | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Sao Tome and Principe | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Senegal | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face discrimination. |
| Seychelles | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, and the country has made efforts to recognize LGBTQ rights. |
| Sierra Leone | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face societal discrimination. |
| Somalia | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face severe persecution. |
| South Africa | South Africa has some of the most progressive LGBTQ laws in Africa, including same-sex marriage being legal. |
| South Sudan | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face societal discrimination. |
| Sudan | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face severe persecution. |
| Swaziland | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face societal discrimination. |
| Tanzania | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face societal discrimination. |
| Togo | Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-protected. |
| Tunisia | Homosexuality is illegal but is not actively prosecuted. |
| Uganda | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face societal discrimination. |
| Zambia | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face societal discrimination. |
| Zimbabwe | Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face societal discrimination. |
ASIA
| Afghanistan | Homosexuality is illegal, and there is a high level of societal discrimination and violence against LGBTQ individuals. |
| Armenia | There is legal recognition of same-sex relationships, but societal acceptance is still limited, and discrimination persists. |
| Azerbaijan | Homosexuality is legal, but discrimination and social stigma against LGBTQ individuals are prevalent. |
| Bahrain | Homosexuality is legal, but same-sex relationships are not recognized, and LGBTQ rights are limited. |
| Bangladesh | Homosexuality is criminalized, and there is widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTQ individuals. |
| Bhutan | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ rights are not recognized, with societal attitudes often being conservative. |
| Brunei | Homosexuality is illegal, and same-sex sexual activity can be punishable by death under Brunei’s penal code. |
| Cambodia | Homosexuality is legal, and some progress has been made in LGBTQ rights, but discrimination and social stigma persist. |
| China | Homosexuality is legal, but there are no specific legal protections for LGBTQ individuals, and societal attitudes vary. |
| Georgia | Homosexuality is legal, but societal attitudes are often conservative, and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals occurs. |
| India | Homosexuality is legal, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018. However, LGBTQ rights can vary across different regions and communities. |
| Indonesia | Homosexuality is legal in most parts of Indonesia, but there is significant societal discrimination, and some regions have implemented anti-LGBTQ policies. |
| Iran | Homosexuality is illegal and can be punishable by death, reflecting a very conservative and discriminatory stance. |
| Iraq | Homosexuality is not explicitly criminalized under federal law, but some regions impose severe punishments based on Islamic law. |
| Israel | Homosexuality is legal, and Israel recognizes same-sex marriages performed abroad. |
| Japan | Homosexuality is legal, and some progress has been made in LGBTQ rights, but discrimination and societal attitudes persist. |
| Jordan | Homosexuality is legal, but societal attitudes are conservative, and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals exists. |
| Kazakhstan | Homosexuality is legal, but societal acceptance and LGBTQ rights awareness are still evolving. |
| Kuwait | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face legal and societal discrimination. |
| Kyrgyzstan | Homosexuality is legal, but discrimination and societal stigma against LGBTQ individuals persist. |
| Laos | Homosexuality is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-established, and discrimination remains an issue. |
| Lebanon | Homosexuality is legal, and there is a growing LGBTQ rights movement, though societal acceptance can vary. |
| Malaysia | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face discrimination and social challenges. |
| Maldives | Homosexuality is illegal and can be subject to harsh punishments, reflecting a conservative stance. |
| Mongolia | Homosexuality is legal, and some progress has been made in LGBTQ rights, but discrimination persists. |
| Myanmar (Burma) | Homosexuality is technically legal, but societal attitudes and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals are significant. |
| Nepal | Homosexuality is legal, and Nepal has made significant strides in recognizing LGBTQ rights. |
| North Korea | Information about LGBTQ rights in North Korea is limited, but it is generally believed to be repressive. |
| Oman | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ rights are not recognized. |
| Pakistan | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face discrimination and violence. |
| Palestine | Homosexuality is technically legal in the West Bank, but LGBTQ individuals face social stigma and discrimination. |
| Philippines | Homosexuality is legal, and some progress has been made in LGBTQ rights, but challenges remain. |
| Qatar | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face legal and societal discrimination. |
| Saudi Arabia | Homosexuality is illegal and can be subject to severe punishments, reflecting an extremely conservative stance. |
| Singapore | Homosexuality is technically legal, but certain forms of same-sex behavior are criminalized. LGBTQ rights are limited. |
| South Korea | Homosexuality is legal, and there is growing acceptance of LGBTQ rights, though some societal discrimination remains. |
| Sri Lanka | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face social and legal discrimination. |
| Syria | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face persecution. |
| Taiwan | Homosexuality is legal, and Taiwan has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ rights in Asia, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2019. |
| Tajikistan | Homosexuality is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-established. |
| Thailand | Homosexuality is legal, and Thailand has a relatively open and accepting attitude towards LGBTQ individuals. |
| Timor-Leste (East Timor) | Homosexuality is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-established. |
| Turkey | Homosexuality is legal, but LGBTQ rights face challenges due to societal attitudes and discrimination. |
| Turkmenistan | Homosexuality is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not recognized or protected. |
| United Arab Emirates | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face legal and social discrimination. |
| Uzbekistan | Homosexuality is legal, but LGBTQ rights are not well-established. |
| Vietnam | Homosexuality is legal, but LGBTQ rights are still developing, and social acceptance varies. |
| Yemen | Homosexuality is illegal, and LGBTQ individuals face legal and social discrimination. |
AMERICA
| Antigua and Barbuda | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Argentina | Argentina is one of the most progressive countries in Latin America regarding LGBTQ rights. It legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, and transgender individuals have the right to change their legal gender without surgery or judicial authorization. |
| Bahamas | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Barbados | LGBTQ rights vary across different states. Some states have legalized same-sex marriage and enacted anti-discrimination laws, while others still face challenges in providing equal rights and protections. |
| Belize | Same-sex relations were decriminalized in 2016, but LGBTQ rights face significant challenges and discrimination. |
| Bolivia | Bolivia does not currently recognize same-sex marriage, and LGBTQ rights are limited, with discrimination and violence being serious concerns. |
| Brazil | LGBTQ rights have seen both progress and setbacks. Same-sex marriage has been legalized since 2013, and there are some legal protections against discrimination. However, violence and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals remain significant issues. Homophobia is punishable by prison |
| Canada | Canada has been at the forefront of LGBTQ rights, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2005. The country has robust anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ individuals. |
| Chile | Chile legalized same-sex civil unions in 2015 and has taken steps toward LGBTQ rights. However, the country still faces challenges in advancing full marriage equality and combating discrimination. |
| Colombia | Colombia has made strides in advancing LGBTQ rights, and same-sex couples have been able to marry since 2016. However, challenges persist in certain regions, and violence against LGBTQ individuals remains a concern. |
| Costa Rica | Costa Rica legalized same-sex marriage in 2020, becoming the first country in Central America to do so. However, societal attitudes and discrimination persist. |
| Cuba | LGBTQ rights vary across different states. Some states have legalized same-sex marriage and enacted anti-discrimination laws, while others still face challenges in providing equal rights and protections. |
| Dominica. | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Dominican Republic | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Ecuador | Same-sex marriage has been legal in Ecuador since 2019, and the country has anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ individuals. |
| El Salvader | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Grenada | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Guatemala | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Guyana | Same-sex relations were decriminalized in Guyana in 1992. However, societal acceptance and protection of LGBTQ rights remain challenges. |
| Guyana | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Haiti | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Honduras | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Jamaica | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Liberia | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Mexico | LGBTQ rights vary across different states. Some states have legalized same-sex marriage and enacted anti-discrimination laws, while others still face challenges in providing equal rights and protections. |
| Nicaragua | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Panama | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Paraguay | Paraguay does not recognize same-sex marriage, and LGBTQ rights are limited, with societal discrimination being a significant issue. |
| Peru | LGBTQ rights have made some progress in recent years, with legal recognition of same-sex relationships, but discrimination and violence still present significant challenges. |
| Peru | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Saint Lucia | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Suriname | Same-sex relations were decriminalized in 1869, but LGBTQ rights still face societal challenges. |
| Tonga | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Same-sex relations were decriminalized in 2018, but LGBTQ rights still face societal challenges and discrimination. |
| United States of America | LGBTQ rights have seen significant progress in recent years, with same-sex marriage legalized nationwide in 2015 (Obergefell v. Hodges). While there are still ongoing debates on specific issues, LGBTQ rights are generally protected in many states, though there may be variations in local laws. |
| Uruguay | Uruguay has been a pioneer in LGBTQ rights in South America, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2013 and implementing progressive laws to protect LGBTQ individuals. |
| Venezuela | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
| Vincent and Grenadines | LGBTQ rights are limited, and same-sex marriage is not recognized. There is no federal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. |
EUROPE
| Albania | Increasingly supportive of LGBTQ rights; made some legal improvements but still faces challenges in societal acceptance. |
| Andorra | Generally supportive of LGBTQ rights with legal protections in place. |
| Armenia | LGBTQ rights face significant challenges due to conservative attitudes and lack of legal protections. |
| Austria | Generally supportive of LGBTQ rights; recognizes same-sex partnerships and allows joint adoption. |
| Azerbaijan | LGBTQ rights face significant challenges due to conservative attitudes and lack of legal protections. |
| Belarus | LGBTQ rights face significant challenges due to conservative attitudes and lack of legal protections. |
| Belgium | Supportive of LGBTQ rights; recognizes same-sex marriages and adoption rights. |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | aried stance across different regions; generally limited legal recognition and protections for LGBTQ individuals. |
| Bulgaria | Limited legal recognition and protection for LGBTQ rights; societal attitudes are mixed. |
| Croatia | Legal recognition of same-sex partnerships but still faces some challenges in LGBTQ rights. |
| Cyprus | Some legal recognition for LGBTQ rights, but societal attitudes remain mixed. |
| Czech Republic | Generally supportive of LGBTQ rights; legal recognition of same-sex partnerships. |
| Denmark | Supportive of LGBTQ rights; recognizes same-sex marriage and adoption rights. |
| Estonia | Supportive of LGBTQ rights; recognizes same-sex partnerships and allows limited adoption rights. |
| Finland | Generally supportive of LGBTQ rights; legalized same-sex marriage in 2017. |
| France | Generally supportive of LGBTQ rights; legalized same-sex marriage and adoption. |
| Georgia | Some legal recognition but limited protections for LGBTQ rights. |
| Germany | Generally supportive of LGBTQ rights; recognizes same-sex marriages and joint adoption. |
| Greece | Legal recognition of same-sex partnerships but limited adoption rights. |
| Hungary | Mixed stance with some legal recognition but facing backlash in recent years. |
| Iceland | Supportive of LGBTQ rights; legalized same-sex marriage and adoption. |
| Ireland | Supportive of LGBTQ rights; legalized same-sex marriage through a referendum in 2015. |
| Italy | Limited legal recognition for same-sex partnerships but growing support for LGBTQ rights. |
| Kosovo | Some legal recognition but faces challenges in societal acceptance. |
| Latvia | Limited legal recognition and protection for LGBTQ rights; societal attitudes are mixed. |
| Liechtenstein | Limited legal recognition for same-sex partnerships. |
| Lithuania | Limited legal recognition and protection for LGBTQ rights; societal attitudes are conservative. |
| Luxembourg | Supportive of LGBTQ rights; recognizes same-sex marriage and adoption. |
| Malta | Highly supportive of LGBTQ rights; has comprehensive legal protections for LGBTQ individuals. |
| Moldova | Limited legal recognition and protection for LGBTQ rights; societal attitudes are conservative. |
| Monaco | Some legal recognition but limited protections for LGBTQ rights. |
| Montenegro | Limited legal recognition and protection for LGBTQ rights; societal attitudes are conservative. |
| Netherlands | Supportive of LGBTQ rights; legalized same-sex marriage and adoption. |
| North Macedonia | Some legal recognition but limited protections for LGBTQ rights. |
| Norway | Supportive of LGBTQ rights; legalized same-sex marriage and adoption. |
| Poland | LGBTQ rights face significant challenges due to conservative attitudes and lack of legal protections. |
| Portugal | Supportive of LGBTQ rights; recognizes same-sex marriage and adoption. |
| Romania | Limited legal recognition and protection for LGBTQ rights; societal attitudes are conservative. |
| Russia | LGBTQ rights face significant challenges due to conservative government policies and societal attitudes. |
| San Marino | Limited legal recognition and protection for LGBTQ rights. |
| Serbia | Some legal recognition but limited protections for LGBTQ rights; societal attitudes are mixed. |
| Slovakia | Limited legal recognition and protection for LGBTQ rights; societal attitudes are conservative. |
| Slovenia | Generally supportive of LGBTQ rights; legal recognition of same-sex partnerships. |
| Spain | Supportive of LGBTQ rights; legalized same-sex marriage and adoption. |
| Sweden | Supportive of LGBTQ rights; recognizes same-sex marriage and adoption. |
| Switzerland | Some legal recognition but limited protections for LGBTQ rights. |
| Turkey | LGBTQ rights face significant challenges due to conservative government policies and societal attitudes. |
| Ukraine | Limited legal recognition and protection for LGBTQ rights; societal attitudes are mixed. |
| United Kingdom | Generally supportive of LGBTQ rights; legalized same-sex marriage and adoption. |
| Vatican City | Limited legal recognition and protection for LGBTQ rights; societal attitudes are conservative. |
OCEANIA
| Australia | Australia has made significant progress in LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2017 after a nationwide postal survey, indicating growing public support for LGBTQ rights. |
| Fiji | Fiji has been making strides towards LGBTQ rights. While homosexuality was decriminalized in 2010, societal attitudes are still evolving, and more progress is needed |
| Kiribati | Kiribati’s laws criminalize homosexuality, and the country has not made notable progress in LGBTQ rights. |
| Marshall Islands | The Marshall Islands have not made substantial progress in LGBTQ rights, and homosexuality remains illegal. |
| Micronesia | Homosexuality is illegal , and the country’s stance on LGBTQ rights remains conservative. |
| Nauru | Nauru’s laws do not offer protection to LGBTQ individuals, and societal attitudes are conservative. |
| New Zealand | New Zealand is known for its progressive stance on LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage was legalized in 2013, and the country has various anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ individuals. |
| Palau | Homosexuality is illegal , and the country’s stance on LGBTQ rights remains conservative. |
| Papua New Guinea | Homosexuality is illegal in Papua New Guinea, and the country’s LGBTQ rights record is generally poor. |
| Samoa | Homosexuality is illegal in Samoa, and the country’s stance on LGBTQ rights remains conservative. |
| Solomon Islands | Homosexuality is illegal in the Solomon Islands, reflecting the country’s conservative stance on LGBTQ rights. |
| Tonga | Tonga maintains a conservative approach to LGBTQ rights, and homosexuality is criminalized. |
| Tuvalu | Tuvalu’s laws do not protect LGBTQ rights, and societal attitudes are generally conservative. |
| Vanuatu | Vanuatu has not made significant strides in LGBTQ rights, and societal attitudes remain conservative. |