Know before you go: LGBTQ+ laws around the world

Jamaica still maintains a British colonial-era law criminalizing sex between men. The sentence is 10 years in prison and hard labor. Cases of foreign visitors being harassed or detained due to their sexual orientation have been reported.

While homosexuality isn't nationally illegal in Indonesia, strict Sharia laws in the Aceh province do criminalize it. In 2022, the country did pass a law making sex ouisde marriage illegal and punishable by up to one year in jail. It's unlikely foreigners will be persecuted but it de facto makes LBGTQ relationships in Indonesia illegal because gay marriage isn't legal.

While homosexuality is legal in Poland, a third of the country declared itself as an "LGBT-free zone" in 2019. This doesn't enact new laws but displays hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals. There have been reports of tourists facing discrimination in these areas.

While homosexuality itself isn't technically illegal in Egypt, related charges like "debauchery" or "public shame" are often used to prosecute LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2023, Grindr sent out warning messages to users after it emerged that Egyptian police were using the app to conduct sting operations.

Morocco criminalizes "lewd or unnatural acts" with individuals of the same sex. In 2014, two French women were arrested for kissing in public and were subsequently deported.

Along with the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also recently signed legislation that could affect trans travelers. Under bill 1521, trans people are outlawed from using restrooms or changing rooms that are for the opposite gender (at birth).

The Maldives criminalizes homosexuality under Sharia-based laws, with penalties including imprisonment, whippings, or deportation. While the tourist resorts often say they are gay-friendly, LGBTQ+ travelers should be cautious, especially outside the resort.

Kenya's penal code forbids "carnal knowledge... against the order of nature", which is often interpreted as homosexuality. Violation can result in up to 14 years in prison. Cases of harassment towards LGBTQ+ tourists have been reported.

Under this island’s law, anyone who commits acts of “gross indecency” with another person of the same sex, can be punished with up to five years behind bars. Anyone who commits “buggery” can be imprisoned for ten years.

Belarus law punishes the "promotion of homosexuality" among minors. Foreigners may face fines or deportation if found guilty.

Grenada's laws criminalize homosexuality through a "gross indecency" statute, which punishes same-sex acts by up to 10 years in prison. While these laws are not typically enforced against tourists, they do contribute to a generally conservative societal attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community.

This Russian law, enacted in 2013, prohibits promoting non-traditional sexual relationships to minors. Foreigners found guilty can face fines, deportation, or up to 15 days in jail. The law is so vague that claiming to be gay, wearing a pro-gay T-shirt or carrying a rainbow flag could violate it.

In Brunei, Sharia law criminalizes homosexuality with penalties as severe as death by stoning. In 2019, they even tightened this law. Last year, it was ranked as the most dangerous country for LGBT travelers by the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index.

In Malaysia, "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" is punishable by fines, imprisonment, and even corporal punishment. Several cases have been recorded where tourists were arrested for “immoral acts.”

Originally dubbed the "Kill the Gays bill" in Uganda, this legislation criminalizes homosexuality with life imprisonment. It was passed in 2014, but later stuck down for inciting hate crimes. However, the country still has some severe punishments for engaging in same-sex acts.

Same-sex activity is illegal in Iran and can potentially result in the death penalty. Travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution. A German tourist was detained in 2018 but released after diplomatic negotiations.

The county’s penal code forbids "carnal knowledge against the order of nature", attempts to commit "carnal knowledge against the order of nature", and acts of "gross indecency.” While LGBT discrimination remains pervasive, in 2021, the county’s first ever pride parade was held in Lilongwe.

Nigeria's law not only bans same-sex marriages but also criminalizes joining or supporting gay clubs, societies, and organizations, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Tourists have faced legal challenges under this act.

Saudi Arabia has one of the world's strictest laws against homosexuality, with punishments ranging from fines and imprisonment to corporal punishment and execution. Flogging can also occur for cross-dressing. The law poses a significant risk for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Under Section 377A of Singapore's Penal Code, male homosexual acts are criminal, carrying a penalty of up to two years in prison. While not actively enforced, the law contributes to a conservative social climate.

Photo: Kent Lee / Unsplash

In Turkmenistan, homosexuality is punishable by up to two years in prison. Instances of LGBTQ+ travelers facing discrimination, harassment, and legal consequences are known, making it a challenging destination.

Under the UAE federal law, homosexuality is illegal and can result in lengthy prison sentences or deportations. In Nov. 2021, the UAE introduced legal amnedmens and the new penal code says anyone over 18 ha has same-sex relations is punished with no less than six months behind bars. Males dressing as women is also illegal, with up to one year behind bars.

In Tonga, the male homosexual act is oulawed, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison or whipping. Males impersonating women “whilst soliciting for an immoral purpose” is also punishable by a $100 fine and/or up to a year in prison.

In Tanzania, homosexuality can lead to life imprisonment. The government has been known to crack down on LGBTQ+ rights advocates, and in 2017, three South Africans were deported for alleged promotion of homosexuality.

Section 377 of Myanmar's penal code, a legacy from British colonial law, criminalizes homosexuality. The law creates a challenging environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, with societal acceptance varying widely across the country.

Photo: Florian Gerus/Unsplash

In 2007, Kuwait passed a law criminalizing “imitating the opposite sex,” but in 2022 the law was deemed unconstitutional. However, the country still outlaws same-sex activity between men, punishable with prison. In 2017, 76 men were deported during a “moral” crackdown on homosexuality.

As the only country in South America where homosexuality is still illegal, Guyana's law penalizes "acts of gross indecency" between men. While enforcement against tourists is rare, the presence of this law signals a conservative climate.

The world’s newest country is anything but progressive on homosexuality. Same-sex conduct is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and men dressing as women can be jailed for one year under the 2008 penal code.

Bangladesh upholds a colonial-era law under Section 377 of its penal code that criminalizes homosexuality, with potential life imprisonment. The law contributes to an environment where LGBTQ+ individuals may face discrimination and prejudice.

In Yemen, homosexuality is outlawed and can result in severe penalties under the country's interpretation of Islamic law, including capital punishment. The risk is very high for LGBTQ+ travelers.

In Saint Lucia, laws against "gross indecency" and "buggery" are still in place, which can be used to criminalize homosexuality. Punishments range from 10 to 25 years of imprisonment. While these laws are not commonly enforced, especially against tourists, they still contribute to a climate where discrimination can occur.

In Lebanon, sexual relations that "contradict the laws of nature" are illegal, and this has been used to criminalize homosexuality with up to one year in prison. Further, men “disguising himself” as women is also punishable with up to six years in jail.

In Somalia, same-sex activity is punishable by law, with severe penalties ranging up to capital punishment in certain regions like the autonomous region of Jubaland. The potential risk for LGBTQ+ travelers is high.