What are the least gay-friendly countries in the world?
As a fan of traveling, when choosing where to travel I sometimes look up how safe that country is as well as at its social and cultural norms, just to know what is culturally accepted and what is not. However, if you are gay or you are traveling with a gay friend the word “safety” has a completely new meaning. To know which countries you should avoid, take a look at our list below. Actually, “least friendly” might be an understatement in this case, since in a lot of countries on this list being gay is punishable by law with sentences varying from a couple of years in prison to lifetime or even death. In case you want to stay positive and focus on those parts of the world where equal rights and tolerance exist you might want to take a look at our 16 Most Gay-Friendly Countries in the World list and get ready to buy a ticket for your next destination.
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While some Western countries promote equal rights and acceptance for same-sex couples, this is not the case in the rest of the world. In fact, maps published by ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association show a very discouraging picture of the world. According to their comprehensive survey, there are only 22 countries in the world where gay marriage is legal (out of which 1 is in Africa, 6 in Americas, 13 in Europe and 1 in Oceania). You can take a look at the list published by Forbes magazine as well. ILGA’s survey found that same-sex sexual acts are illegal in 72 states (33 in Africa, 23 in Asia, 11 in Americas, 6 in Oceania), same-sex sexual acts are punished by the death penalty in 13 states. Criminalizing states are mainly centered in Africa and the Middle East, but they are also present in the Caribbean. National Geographic also emphasizes that there are countries (e.g. Russia) where same-sex sexual acts are not criminalized but any kind of LGBT propaganda or public affirmation of “non-traditional sexual relations” is forbidden.
In order to compile this list of least gay-friendly countries in the world, I focused on a couple of sources including Equaldex, The Washington Post’s article about the state of LGBT rights in the world, maps published by National Geographic, City Lab’s Global Map of Homophobia, etc. The most valuable and credible source is definitely ILGA’s comprehensive survey entitled “A World Survey of Sexual Orientation Laws: Criminalization, Protection and Recognition”. In order to compile the list I considered various factors including: recognition of same-sex marriages, whether same-sex sexual acts are illegal and if they are what the penalties are. Countries that discriminate the most were higher on the list and those countries which apply the death penalty for same-sex sexual acts were at the top of the list of least gay-friendly countries in the world. Let’s take a look:
15. The Russian Federation
If you wish to see the Red Square or visit Russia, you should take extra precautions if you are gay or travelling with a gay friend. Homosexual activity was decriminalized in Russia in 1993 but in 2013, the President Vladimir Putin passed a series of laws limiting gay rights. Outside of predominantly Muslim countries and some parts of Africa and Asia, Russian Federation is amongst most hostile countries towards LGBT population. Pew Research Center survey found that 74% of Russians answered negatively to the question: Should society accept homosexuality? This is the largest percentage of negative responses in Europe, followed by Poland where 46% answered negatively. Same-sex marriages are illegal and propaganda promoting LGBT rights is forbidden and punishable by law. The worst situation regarding LGBT rights in Russia is in Chechnya, a federal subdivision of Russia. The Independent published an article about a group of 100 men suspected of being gay, who were detained and tortured. When a group of LGBT supporters in Moscow organized protests in regards to these events, they were also beaten. Moral of the story: Definitely not a safe country for LGBT community.
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14. Azerbaijan
Frequent hate crimes against the LGBT population helped Azerbaijan to reach the top of the list of least gay-friendly countries in Europe. Azerbaijan. ILGA’s Rainbow Europe Index ranks 49 European countries according to the laws and policies that affect LGBT community. They are ranked on a scale of 0% to 100%, where 0% stands for gross violation of human rights and 100% for countries that fully accept equality and show respect for human rights. Azerbaijan is at the bottom of the list of least gay-friendly countries in the world (followed by with Armenia and Russia) with only 4.85%. Although homosexuality is legal in Azerbaijan, this index tells us that the country shows almost no effort towards implementing laws that protect human rights, including LGBT rights. The Guardian published a story of Javid Nabiyev, gay Azerbaijani activist, who explains that of all social groups that experience violence, LGBT community is the one that struggles the most. They are exposed to physical and psychological violence by the whole society, including their families. Javid, among many others, was forced to leave his homeland and now lives in a refugee shelter in Germany. Unfortunately, this is not a separate incident of violence against gays in Azerbaijan which definitely makes this country perfect for our list of least gay-friendly countries in the world.
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13. Egypt
Egypt, the next one on the list of least gay-friendly countries in the world is a perfect destination for passionate travelers, history-lovers and those who wish to see remains of the ancient civilizations. Dubbed “the cradle of civilization”, ancient Egypt was one of the first countries to experience urbanization, organized government, agriculture, etc. Egyptian pyramids attract hundreds of people every year and traveling to Egypt might be on many people’s bucket list. Sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex are not prohibited. Yet, prejudice and discrimination against LGBT community are widespread. This can be explained by statistics collected by the Pew Research Center according to which 95% of Egyptians believe that homosexuality should not be accepted by society. Arrests based on sexual orientation are not rare in Egypt and The Independent recently reported that authorities continuously arrest members of LGBT community under the charges of “debauchery law”. While Egypt is not amongst most critical countries in regards to LGBT rights it is definitely good to be at least a little bit more careful when visiting.
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12. Jamaica
At number 12 on our list of least gay-friendly countries in the world we have Jamaica that knows how to party and it attracts many tourists during the year. You probably did not know that Jamaica is yet another country where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by law. According to The Offenses Against the Person Act of 1864, punishment for “buggery” is up to 10 years of imprisonment with hard labor. The law is enforced against gay men while the punishment for women is not very clear. The biggest problem is that these laws are used to justify violence and discrimination against LGBT population. Defenders of “buggery laws” state that these laws are not against human rights because they do not criminalize being gay but do criminalize homosexual acts. So, where does that leave it??? It is ok to be gay but it is not acceptable to act in accordance with your identity? Moreover, Jamaican LGBT rights organization recorded 231 incidents (between 2009 and 2012) of attacks against their community including physical attacks, mob attacks, and even home invasions. Another devastating fact is that perpetrators are rarely caught and punished since witnesses do not want to talk to police, showing their approval of violence based on sexual orientation. In short, if you are a victim of a hate crime, don’t expect anyone to help you.
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11. Senegal
According to Penal Code of 1965, homosexuality is punished by imprisonment of between one and five years with an additional fine ranging from 100,000 to 1,500,000 francs. Same-sex relationships are not recognized in Senegal and are not protected against discrimination as well. Acts of violence against homosexuals are not uncommon in Senegal. For example, in 2008, Senegalese gossip magazine published two dozen photos from a party, claiming that the people in the photos are gay. Police arrested some of the men in the photos and after their release they were constantly attacked and threatened. In 2009, police arrested and sentenced 9 members of HIV/AIDS association to eight years in prison, accusing them of inappropriate sexual acts. They were released in 2009 but the incident left them isolated from the whole community including their families. Many lost their jobs and are struggling to survive. The frequency of hate crimes can be seen on the 95th page of the report entitled “Fear for Life: Violence against Gay Men and Men Percieved as Gay in Senegal“. Now. let’s see what’s next on our list of least gay-friendly countries in the world.
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10. Pakistan
Homosexuality is still a taboo in Pakistan especially due to conservative religious views. Due to Sharia law, death penalties exist but are unlikely to be implemented. The Islamabad government is openly intolerant towards LGBT population while most political parties completely ignore the issue of LGBT community or opposed them due to religious beliefs. When it comes to media, Pakistani media censors any LGBT connected news. Pew Research Center survey also shows that 87% believe that homosexuality should not be accepted by society. Pakistan is definitely not as unfriendly as some of the countries that will appear near the top of our list of the least gay-friendly countries in the world but extra precaution is necessary if you are travelling to Pakistan.
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9. Somalia
Up next on the list of least gay-friendly countries in the world is Somalia, yet another country that might be too risky for the gay population. It is another country that has anti-homosexuality laws where the punishment can be spending up to three years in prison. Gay persons cannot be open about their sexuality because if they do, they are facing abuse, prejudice and possibly execution. Somalia does not have laws that protect LGBT community from violence based on sexual orientation which means that they are completely unprotected by the law. Moreover, terrorist group Al-Shabaab (which controls some parts of Somalia) enforces Sharia law, hence the punishment for being gay can be a death sentence. “Report on the Treatment of Gay Persons in Somalia” explain that UN and UK guidance that gay persons seeking asylum are at a high risk if they return to Somalia. With this being sad, if you are a member of LGBT community you might want to reconsider visiting Somalia any time soon.
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8. Mauritania
While for some relationship between same sexes is an act of love, in Mauritania, the next one on our list of least gay-friendly countries in the world it is considered to be an act against nature. As stated in Penal Code of 1984, “any adult Muslim who commits an act against nature with an individual of his sex will face the penalty of death by stoning”. On two occasions, namely in 2010 and 2015, Mauritania was urged to remove criminalization of same-sex sexual acts. Up until March 2016 (when ILGA’s survey was published) the State has not given its formal answer.
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7. Afghanistan
In Penal Code 1976, Article 427, a person who commits adultery or pederasty will be sentenced to long-time imprisonment. In Afghan legal terminology, “pederasty” refers to intercourse between males. However, Article 130 of the Constitution allows recourse to be made according to Sharia law, which prohibits homosexual relationships. Same-sex marriage is forbidden and in general, this is not a country that welcomes members LGBT population. Positive information, if it can be called positive in this case, is that there were no known cases of death sentences since the end of Taliban rule.
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6. Nigeria
State of human rights in Nigeria that ranks 6th on our list of least gay-friendly countries in the world is at a very low level. Among the most significant problems in regards to human rights are: child labor, child abuse, use of excessive force by security forces, discrimination based on ethnicity, religion and sexuality. Federal law classifies homosexuality as felony and the punishment is imprisonment. On the other hand, several Northern states have adopted Sharia laws which impose the death penalty for men and for women maximum penalty is whipping or imprisonment. Southern states have adopted “milder” punishment of 14 years in prison. Common violence against the members of LGBT population in Nigeria has been criticized by various international human rights organizations, including the United Nations.
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5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
We are continuing our list of least gay-friendly countries in the world with The United Arab Emirates that include Emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras-Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain. In UAE, even sexual acts outside of heterosexual marriage are banned. Gay or not, watch how you behave if you ever visit Abu Dhabi, Dubai or some other UAE areas. UAE Penal Code is somewhat ambiguous as to whether homosexuality is punishable by death or not. If you read the Article 354, it can be understood that death penalty is the punishment only in case of rape.
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4. Yemen
According to Penal Code 1994, homosexuality between men is punished by 100 lashes or one year of imprisonment for unmarried men while for married men, the sentence is death by stoning. For women, the sentence is up to three years of imprisonment. ILGA survey reports that the situation regarding LGBT rights is worsening in Yemen since the takeover by the radical Houthi militia in 2013.
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3. Iran
Formerly known as Persia, Iran, the number three on the list of least gay-friendly countries in the world has a very rich culture. Due to its good geopolitical position, Iran influenced cultures of Greece, Italy, Russia and all the way to the Arabian Peninsula. Persians were among the first nations who used mathematics and geometry in architecture and beauty of Persian architecture can be seen nowadays. This attracts a number of tourists to Iran but if you are gay, you should probably redirect your journey or at least take precautions on how to behave while visiting Iran. According to Islamic Penal Code of Iran of 1991 punishment for sodomy, defined as “sexual intercourse with a male”, is killing. Sharia judge is the one who decides on “how to carry out the killing”. Punishment is the same for both, men and women. Brian Whitaker, writing for The Guardian, stated that Iran’s treatment of sexual minorities is “near the bottom of the league” which means that it is perfectly placed at the top of our list of least gay-friendly countries in the world. Whitaker continues to explain that discrimination is present in schools, homes and everywhere else in the society. They might’ve been the first to apply mathematics and geometry to architecture but they are definitely not constructing laws that offer equality for all members of their society.
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2. Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia that ranks second on our list of least gay-friendly countries in the world there is no Penal Law that defines homosexuality as a crime. Instead, the country applies strict Islamic Sharia Law, according to which sexual act between two men is seen as misdemeanor. The penalty varies from whipping to death by stoning. Sex outside of marriage is illegal which means that straight couples as well can receive monstrous punishments. In brief, if you don’t want to think about the possibility of being stoned to death for “immoral behavior”, the best option is to avoid Saudi Arabia and buy a ticket for a more gay-friendly place.
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1. Sudan
In Sudan, same-sex sexual activity is illegal and punishable by law. According to The Penal Code 1991 whoever commits Sodomy should be punished with flogging one hundred lashes and shall be liable up to five years imprisonment. The second time offenders receive the same punishment while the third time offenders shall be punished by death or life imprisonment. Of course, same-sex marriage is absolutely forbidden. In 2010, 19 men were publicly flogged because they were found dancing dressed “in a womanly fashion”. Lawyers were too scared to represent them in court and they did not receive a fair trial. Instead, hundreds of people watched them being lashed in public. You can read the full article here. Travelling to countries on this 15 least gay-friendly countries in the world list should be taken with extra precautions if you are gay or travelling with a gay friend. While they might be very attractive for many reasons from architecture to exotic landscapes, the state of human rights in these countries is definitely not a high level.
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