A strong global movement has improved respect for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people around the world. However, at least 69 countries still have national laws criminalizing same-sex relations between consenting adults. In addition, at least six countries have national laws criminalizing forms of gender expression that target transgender and gender nonconforming people. This series of maps provides a global overview of those laws.

Legal sanctions against same-sex conduct vary in scope and application. In some countries, only specific sexual acts are punished, while in others the laws are more general, often vague and open to varying interpretation. Sentences range from fines to life imprisonment and even the death penalty. In some countries, law enforcement agencies aggressively pursue and prosecute people suspected of being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. In others, the laws are rarely enforced but nonetheless have severe consequences for LGBT people, serving to justify discriminatory treatment and impeding LGBT people’s access to employment, health services, and police protection.

The maps addressing criminalization of same-sex conduct includes the 69 countries with national laws forbidding same-sex conduct. But others bear mention.

Maps:

Type of Anti-LGBT Laws
Laws Criminalizing Same-Sex Relations, by Type of Offense
Laws Criminalizing Same-Sex Relations, by Sentence
Laws Criminalizing Same-Sex Relations between Women