In this article, we will talk about the 30 worst countries to be gay in the world. Though LGBTQ rights are increasingly being demanded and given worldwide, what exactly are these rights, and why demand them? LGBTQ is an acronym standing for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. This acronym is symbolic of the various genders and sexual orientations. This acronym is commonly expanded with a plus sign at the end, representing the inclusiveness, respect, and acceptance of different identities and orientations. LGBTQ rights refer to civil and legal rights ensuring protection and legal treatment for those with different sexual orientations and genders. Rights ensure non-discriminant behavior towards individuals despite being out of the ordinary. Marriage, adoption, employment, school, and healthcare access are just some of the rights many Western liberal countries provide.
Different countries have different rights given to people, and in some countries, citizens are actively and fiercely working towards further rights for the LGBTQ. In contrast, other countries are not so concerned. According to the World Atlas, Muslim countries are at the top when it comes to the worst LGBTQ rights. Countries like these do not welcome or attract tourists or visitors who will not abide by their strict rules and regulations. This unwelcoming attitude can lead to the loss of tourists and the economic benefit that could be gained with tolerant laws.
Countries unwilling to be more accepting and welcoming towards a greater variety of people suffer from fewer visitors than more accepting countries. Stigma and discrimination towards a certain group lead to loss and even migration of potentially capable nationals to international locations so that they can freely express themselves and live.
According to the Williams School of Law Institute, 175 countries have socially accepted and provided rights to the LGBTQ community. The study conducted by the institute shows that acceptance has continually increased for the LGBTQ since the 1980s. Countries with stigma and exclusion of the LGBTQ are leading to lower productivity and lower output due to employment discrimination.
The World Health Organization has reported that intolerance of the LGBTQ is leading to countries losing out on capital investment and reduced tourism, both adversely affecting the economic growth of the country.
30 Worst Countries to be Gay in the World
Methodology
To compile the list of the 30 worst countries to be gay in the world, we relied on our own data compiled in our coverage of 20 Most Dangerous Countries for LGBTQ+ American Travellers, 15 most dangerous countries for gay travelers, as well as 11 worst countries for LGBT travelers.
Also, we thoroughly researched and included in the list using data from the Human Dignity Trust and Gay Times.
30. Malaysia
Malaysia has criminalized homosexuality. LGBTQ people face discrimination from the government and locals. There doesn’t seem to be a shift in the policy and attitudes towards homosexuals due to the conservative mindset of the majority. If the law enforcers find anyone involved in same-sex activities, they will be held accountable for many years in prison, fines, and whipping.
29. Tunisia
LGBTQ folks are most likely to face challenges in Tunisia as it has imposed a ban on all same-sex-related activities. Homosexuality is a punishable offense by up to three years imprisonment.
In 2015, in Kairouan, a man with five others was convicted for same-sex behavior under Article 230 of the Penal Code, which makes such behavior illegal. They were also not allowed to enter Kairouan for the next three years, even after serving their sentences.
28. Tanzania
Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania, and LGBTQ people can be punished with a lengthy 30-year prison sentence. They are even denied access to health facilities. To make matters worse, the activists who voice their views to support the queer community are being held accountable. Police raids on the site where they conduct their meetings thwart their efforts. This instills fear in the LGBTQ people, and they refrain from attending them.
27. Russia
Russia is no safe place for LGBTQ people. Recently, Russia passed a gay propaganda law that represents homosexuality as a foreign threat. LGBTQ community is stigmatized due to the perception that it will deviate people from their traditional values.
26. Kuwait
Next in line among 30 worst countries to be gay in the world is Kuwait. Kuwait, under Article 198 of the Penal Code, prohibits imitation of same-sex. If a person doesn’t show compliance with the law, they will be subjected to seven years of imprisonment.
25. Brunei
On the 25th spot in the list of worst countries to be gay in is Brunei. Brunei criminalizes LGBT individuals and penalizes same-sex interactions among men and women. The restrictions are quite strict, as LGBT individuals are prohibited from expressing their gender identity.
Same-sex activities between men is condemned by stoning or whipping with 100 strokes and imprisonment for one year. In the most severe cases, the death penalty is imposed for these actions.
24. Uganda
Violence and discrimination against LGBT people are prevalent in Uganda and that’s why it’s one of the worst countries to be gay in. Ever since the anti-homosexuality bill was passed, members of the LGBT Community have been targeted. They are denied employment and health facilities because of their sexual orientation.
23. United Arab Emirates
Next in line among the worst countries to be gay in is UAE. UAE is an Islamic country, and it strongly opposes homosexuality due to religious beliefs. “Unnatural sex with another person” is illegal in Abu Dhabi, and “sodomy” is illegal in Dubai.
Those who engage in unlawful activities and get caught are sentenced to death. Additionally, the gender expression of transgender people is also restricted under the Federal Penal Code 1987. If found guilty, a fine will be imposed with one-year imprisonment.
22. Malawi
Malawi criminalizes homosexuality with strict punishment. Men, if found guilty, are sentenced to imprisonment for 14 years and five years for women. The gender expression of transgender people is also banned. Men are not allowed to grow their hair to a certain length that mimics that of a woman. If they don’t comply with the rules, they can be detained for six months in jail.
21. South Sudan
It is reported by the US Department of State that LGBTQ people are harassed, beaten, and arrested by cops. at least one extrajudicial killing. Rules are strict for men, as they will be punished with 14 years of imprisonment.
Additionally, dressing up as the opposite gender is highly discouraged in South Sudan. Under Section 379, if a male person dresses up in women’s clothes in public, they can be charged with a penalty of up to three months.
20. Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, there are no policies to protect the rights of LGBT community. Since it was not colonized by a European country, its laws are more traditional. Ethiopia strictly bans homosexuality, and it is punishable by one-year imprisonment. Alerts are sent from the local police department to report same-sex activities that deviate from the law and social values.
19. Sudan
Human Rights of gays are neglected in Sudan. Males who engage in homosexual behavior face more severe consequences than females. In an incident, a gay man received 40 lashes and a fine of 5,000 SDG ($625) for immodestly dressing up as a woman. Citizens of Sudan also stigmatize homosexuality, due to which LGBT individuals cannot expect positive changes soon.
18. Iran
Iran has strict punishments for homosexuality. Same-sex conduct is punishable with 31 lashes, while intercourse carries a punishment of 100 lashes or even the death penalty. In 2021, two men were sentenced to death on the grounds of Sodomy.
Since 1979, more than 5,000 gays and lesbians have been executed in Iran.
17. Libya
Libya criminalizes the gay community and imposes strict punishment for those who do not adhere to the laws. Both men and women will be subjected to five years’ imprisonment. Since Libya is an Islamic country, it strives to protect Islamic values and culminate Islamic behaviors.
16. Singapore
Singapore is a conservative Asian country with no more than 3-5% of gay residents. Although being gay is legal, it is not widely accepted or tolerated. Children who are outside of wedlock are seen as illegitimate and they are not eligible for certain social benefits unless they are legally adopted. This leads to difficulties for same-sex couples seeking to start families, as they are unable to adopt children.
15. Kyrgyzstan
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Kyrgyzstan face significant challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Homosexuality is punished by prison sentences and may involve persecution as well. There is no recognition of same sex people.
14. Egypt
Homosexuality is illegal in Egypt. A gender rights researcher documented 19 cases in which vice police in Egypt detained 43 people due to their gender identity. Human rights organizations also reported that the Egyptian police were targeting members of LGBT through Facebook and dating websites.
The general public also advocates that homosexuality is unacceptable. Furthermore, Egypt’s Ministry of Education initiated an anti-LGBTQ awareness campaign in schools. They are also taught to oppose homosexuality through media outlets.
13. Cameroon
Violence against the gay community has increased in Cameroon as law enforcers failed to protect them. In 2022, six people and eleven individuals were detained for allegedly being involved in same-sex conduct.
Homosexuality is criminalized in Cameroon, due to which locals and security forces resort to violence against them without any repercussions. If a person gets caught in any same-sex activity, they will be punished with five years imprisonment.
12. Morocco
Morocco is also in our list of 30 worst countries to be gay in the world. Morocco is an Islamic country, due to which homosexuality is illegal there. A considerable number of same-sex couples were arrested in Morocco for public displays of affection.
Attacking people for their sexual orientation in Morocco is very common. LGBT people are publicly harassed and abused by the locals. People hurl homophobic insults at them.
A report in 2017 revealed that Moroccan LGBTQ communities face social marginalization due to institutional, social, and physical violence. They are forced to hide their sexual orientations to avoid being harassed and threatened.
11. Jamaica
Next in our list of worst countries that be gay in is Jamaica. In Jamaica, there are no laws that protect the rights of the LGBTQ community. Same-sex activities are criminalized, and if anybody is found guilty, they will be jailed for ten years with hard labor.
In a survey conducted in Jamaica, 80% of respondents believe that homosexuality is immoral and should be condemned.
10. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is at number 10 in our list of dangerous countries for gays. Human rights for the LGBTQ community are not taken care of in Sri Lanka. Same-sex activity between men and women is criminalized with severe consequences. The accused will be charged with a fine and ten years of imprisonment.
In October 2019, six people were arrested for engaging in same-sex activity. Authorities physically abused them by whipping with wires and forced anal examination and HIV tests.
9. Grenada
The LGBT community faces serious challenges in Grenada. If they involve themselves in any sexual activity with people of the same sex, they will be jailed for at least ten years. These laws are strictly enforced, as only one arrest is recorded for an LGBTQ offense.
8. Burundi
Next in our list of 30 worst countries to be gay in is Burundi. The violence against LGBTQ people in Burundi is extreme, as 24 people were prosecuted. These people were allegedly involved in committing punishable crimes. Promoting homosexuality and homosexual acts, to be specific.
Homosexuality is strictly prohibited in Burundi due to the religious beliefs that it brings a curse. Therefore, all those who commit same-sex sexual activities should be banished. Additionally, they can be jailed for three months to two years.
7. Yemen
Homosexuality is banned in Yemen and without doubt it’s one of the worst places for gay travelers. There are extremely strict penalties for homosexual conduct. Those found guilty are punished with the death penalty. This year, 118 Houthi militia members were referred to criminal court who were convicted of homosexuality and sodomy.
In another incident, a student was expelled from the university for promoting homosexuality. Additionally, Yemen has also blocked LGBT websites within its territory.
6. Sierra Leone
On the sixth spot in the list of worst countries in the world for the LGBTQ community is Sierra Leone. Homosexuality is considered a sin in Sierra Leone. Members of the LGBT community can not even access basic health facilities. Citizens of Sierra Leone are superstitious. Homosexuals are refused service in shops, as owners believe they would bring bad luck. LGBT folks face both official and societal discrimination based on sexual orientation.
5. Uzbekistan
Gay rights are violated in Uzbekistan as they face violence and discrimination. Uzbekistan is another Islamic country that condemns homosexuality. Despite the human rights reforms, discrimination against LGBT persons remains consistent.
Media outlets in Uzbekistan reported previously that a 25-year-old man was stabbed to death after confessing to being gay on his Instagram account.