The LGBTIQ+ community has fought for years for equal rights and acceptance in different parts of the world. Despite significant progress in many countries in terms of recognition and protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, unfortunately, there are still nations where being part of this community is considered illegal and can lead to serious consequences for those who identify as LGBTIQ+ . In this article, we will explore which countries still have laws that criminalize people's gender identity and sexual orientation, and how these laws affect the LGBTIQ+ community.
Countries where being LGBTIQ+ is illegal
Currently, there are approximately 70 countries where being LGBTIQ+ is criminalized by law. Laws criminalizing homosexuality, bisexuality, transgenderism, and other gender identities and sexual orientations vary in their severity and application in different parts of the world. In some countries, penalties can range from fines to prison terms and even the death penalty. These discriminatory laws not only perpetuate discrimination and violence towards the LGBTIQ+ community, but also limit their freedom and ability to live a full and authentic life.
Africa
In Africa , several countries still maintain laws that criminalize homosexuality and other LGBTIQ+ identities. For example, in Uganda, the Anti-Homosexuality Law of 2014, which included life sentences for homosexual acts, sparked international controversy and was eventually struck down by the Ugandan Constitutional Court. In Nigeria, the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act imposes sentences of up to 14 years in prison for those who engage in homosexual acts, and in Sudan, Islamic Sharia law condemns homosexuality with the death penalty. These are just some examples of the situation of LGBTIQ+ rights in Africa, where discrimination and persecution are a reality for many people.
Asia
In Asia, there are also countries with laws that criminalize the gender identity and sexual orientation of LGBTIQ+ people. In countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, homosexuality is punishable by death under Islamic law. In India, although homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018 with the landmark decision of the Supreme Court of India, discriminatory attitudes towards the LGBTIQ+ community still persist. In Malaysia and Singapore, British colonial laws criminalizing homosexuality remain in force, putting the safety and rights of LGBTIQ+ people in these countries at risk.
Latin America
In Latin America, the situation of LGBTIQ+ rights is very diverse. Although some countries have made progress in terms of recognition and protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ people, there are still nations where homosexuality and gender identity are criminalized by law. In countries such as Jamaica, Belize and Barbados, anti-sodomy legislation inherited from the British colonial era continues to be used to criminalize homosexuality. In other countries such as Cuba and Venezuela, although there are no laws that criminalize homosexuality itself, discrimination and violence towards the LGBTIQ+ community remain a persistent problem.
Eastern Europe and Central Asia
In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the situation of LGBTIQ+ rights is also complicated. In countries such as Russia, Hungary and Chechnya, laws and policies have been implemented that restrict the rights of LGBTIQ+ people and encourage homophobia and transphobia. The Gay Propaganda Law in Russia, for example, prohibits "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" and has been used to repress the freedom of expression and assembly of the LGBTIQ+ community. In Chechnya, cases of persecution and violence against LGBTIQ+ people have been reported, including illegal detentions, torture and murder.
Impact on the LGBTIQ+ community
Laws that criminalize gender identity and sexual orientation of LGBTIQ+ people have a devastating impact on the lives of those who are part of this community. Legalized discrimination encourages violence, harassment and social exclusion, which affects the mental and emotional health of LGBTIQ+ people. Many individuals are forced to hide their true identity for fear of retaliation, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, anti-LGBTIQ+ laws make it difficult to access health, education and employment services, which perpetuates inequality and the marginalization of this community.
Resistance and fight for equality
Despite the challenges and difficulties faced by the LGBTIQ+ community in countries where gender identity and sexual orientation are illegal, many people and organizations continue to fight for equality and dignity for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Visibility, activism and international solidarity are essential to move towards more inclusive societies that respect diversity.
In conclusion, it is essential to recognize and denounce laws that criminalize the gender identity and sexual orientation of LGBTIQ+ people around the world. Only through dialogue, education and mutual respect can we build more just and equitable societies for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.