LGBTQ rights by country or territory

LGBTQ rights affect people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer around the world. These rights vary greatly depending on where you live, covering areas like marriage laws and safety from unfair treatment.

As of January 2025, 38 countries allow same-sex marriage, but some places still have very strict laws. For example, two countries are known to use the death penalty for private, consensual relationships between people of the same sex: Iran and Afghanistan. Other countries have laws that could lead to serious punishments, though these are not always used.

In 2011, the United Nations took a big step by passing a resolution to recognize LGBTQ rights. Since then, many countries have worked to protect these rights. Some places, like the Nordic countries and Chile, are known for having strong support for LGBTQ people, while others still face big challenges.

Scope of laws

Laws that affect LGBTQ people include many different areas. Some countries have rules that let people in same-sex relationships get married or adopt children, and protect them from unfair treatment at work or school. There are also laws that make it a crime to hurt someone because of who they are.

Other laws can make it hard for transgender people to use the bathroom that matches how they feel, or affect whether someone can serve in the military. Some places still have old rules that make certain private actions between adults illegal, even though no one is being hurt. These laws can change a lot from one country to another.

History of LGBT-related laws

See also: LGBTQ history, Timeline of LGBTQ history, LGBTQ movements, History of homosexuality, and Sodomy law § History

Laws affecting people who love others of the same gender or who express different gender identities have changed a lot over time. In ancient times, different places had different rules. For example, in ancient India, some types of relationships between people of the same gender were fined, while other types of relationships had much harsher punishments.

In more recent history, many countries made laws against these relationships. The United Kingdom spread such laws to many parts of the world during its empire. Even today, some countries still have old laws that make these relationships illegal. But there has also been progress. For example, in 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to allow people of the same gender to marry legally.

Global LGBT rights maps

Different countries have different rules about people who love others of the same sex or who may feel their gender is different from what they were born with. As of January 2025, 38 countries allow people of the same sex to get married.

However, in two countries, Iran and Afghanistan, there are very serious laws that can lead to very harsh punishments for people who are in love with someone of the same sex. It's important to know that these rules are not the same everywhere, and many places are working to make things better and fairer for everyone.

Note that for simplicity the table below does not distinguish between 'legal' and 'lawful'. An action can only be legal or illegal where a specific law has been passed.

Timeline

As of January 2025, rules about relationships for LGBTQ+ people are different in every country. In 38 countries, people in same-sex relationships can get married. However, in two countries, Iran and Afghanistan, the laws are very strict and can be very serious for people in same-sex relationships.

It's important to know that rules about these topics change over time, and many places are working to make things fairer for everyone.

LGBT-related laws by country or territory

Note: A country in this list is to be presumed to have equalized the age of consent at the same time as it decriminalized homosexual acts, unless otherwise noted.

Antarctica

Main article: LGBTQ rights in Antarctica