In which country is homosexuality a crime and where can same-sex partners get married? In which country is homosexuality a crime and where can same-sex partners get married?<

The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex Association (ILGA) recently published research from 2017 on the rights of members of the LGBTI community around the world. The result is charts and maps showing which countries still have homosexuality as a crime, where same-sex partners can marry, what laws exist to protect them and fight discrimination, and which countries allow adoption.

It is surprising that even today there are still a number of states in which homosexuality is perceived as a crime, in some cases even punishable by the death sentence. Many states still practice conversion therapy, where a homosexual should become heterosexual, while in the Netherlands they have been able to marry since 2001.

Crime

The strictest laws regarding homosexuality apply in Arab countries, where it is often punishable by death. The harshest punishments for gays and lesbians apply in Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Sudan, Mauritania and some parts of Nigeria.

A female-to-female relationship is illegal in 45 countries, while male-to-male homosexuality is prohibited in 72 states.

Countries marked in faint pink punish for spreading LGBTI propaganda. Countries marked in dark pink for public displays of affection. Sexual acts, anal sex, and intimacy are punishable in states marked with flesh, orange, yellow, and brown.

In white states, homosexuality is not considered a crime.

Protection against discrimination

43 countries in the world fight hate crimes against homosexuals and 86 countries have a human rights organization that also deals with the LGBTI community. 72 countries have laws that prevent employers from discriminating against employees based on sexual orientation.

States that are colored blue on the map have adopted anti-discrimination laws. In the Czech Republic, we protect the LGBTI community from employment discrimination and hate crimes.

Marriage and registered partnerships

Weddings of same-sex couples are legal in 24 countries of the world and registered partnerships are recognized in 28 countries. Registered partnership is possible for the LGBTI community in the Czech Republic, but it is still prohibited in Slovakia.

The first country to legalize same-sex marriage was the Netherlands in 2001, followed by Belgium in 2003 and Canada two years later. The last states to legalize marriage were Germany, Malta and Australia (2017).

Countries marked in dark green have legalized marriage and states colored in light green recognize registered partnerships.

Adoption

Together, same-sex couples can adopt a child in 26 states and become a second parent, i.e. adopt their partner's biological offspring, in 27 countries. Adoption is allowed throughout Western Europe, North America, some South American states, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

States with an orange square at the top of the map allow adoption.