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Map of countries criminalizing homosexuality, June 2026

Homosexuality is now illegal in 66 nations

The latest nation to adopt an anti-gay law is Niger in West Africa.

Niger's president and former coup leader Abdourahamane Tchiani. (Photo courtesy of the BBC)
Niger adopts anti-LGBTQ law, threatens up to 20 years in prison
Bangladesh students detained, expelled over alleged homosexuality

Resources

Map of countries criminalizing homosexuality, June 2026
Homosexuality is now illegal in 66 nations
This site's activist journalists have laid the groundwork for Project Not Alone, which frees imprisoned victims of African homophobia. This illustration shows two gay men waiting for donations that will pay their fines and set them free.
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21 varieties of traditional African homosexuality
Death penalty, ex-gay therapy, 100s of prisoners, the Commonwealth, more

Upbeat news

African and global figures by the dozens urge Senegal to talk, not enforce anti-gay law
Ugandan human rights defender Frank Mugisha appeals for support from allies abroad. (Photo courtesy of Twitter)
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Important work funded by our readers

Illustration depicting two of the innocent gay prisoners who can be released if readers support Project Not Alone. To DONATE, click the image. (Illustration by Vincent Kyabayinze, East Africa Visual Artists / EAVA Artists)
Slow pace of donations leaves 5 innocent LGBTI prisoners stuck in cells
This illustration of Cam was created by the AI program ChatGPT, based on a description of him provided by reporter Steeves Winner.
Your donation will help free Cam, an innocent 36-year-old gay cook
Help us free 3 women imprisoned for roles in a ‘lesbian network’
This site's activist journalists have laid the groundwork for Project Not Alone, which frees imprisoned victims of African homophobia. This illustration shows two gay men waiting for donations that will pay their fines and set them free.
We have freed 56 LGBTQ prisoners. We need help to free 8 more

Africa

Map of countries criminalizing homosexuality, June 2026
Homosexuality is now illegal in 66 nations
Niger's president and former coup leader Abdourahamane Tchiani. (Photo courtesy of the BBC)
Niger adopts anti-LGBTQ law, threatens up to 20 years in prison
South African member of parliament Zandile Majozi tells the anti-LGBTQ conference that her nation rejects the human rights violations contained in the proposed anti-LGBTQ+ African charter.
Anti-LGBTQ+ forces push toward Africa-wide adoption of anti-LGBTQ+ charter
Rainbow flags decorate the Paris City Hall. (Photo courtesy of Tetu)
France, do not turn your back on LGBTQI communities around the world!

Caribbean

Map of countries criminalizing homosexuality, June 2026

Homosexuality is now illegal in 66 nations

Haitian activists frustrated by diaspora groups speaking over them

Dominique X Saint-Vil is the undisputed leader of the transgender men's community in Haiti

Confronting the silence that kills transgender Haitians

Europe

Rainbow flags decorate the Paris City Hall. (Photo courtesy of Tetu)
France, do not turn your back on LGBTQI communities around the world!
African and global figures by the dozens urge Senegal to talk, not enforce anti-gay law
Fighting hate on the ballot: Queer resistance in elections in 2026
Cameroon ‘murder music’ artist apologizes for anti-LGBTQ lyrics

Asia

Map of countries criminalizing homosexuality, June 2026
Homosexuality is now illegal in 66 nations
Bangladesh students detained, expelled over alleged homosexuality
Rainbow flags decorate the Paris City Hall. (Photo courtesy of Tetu)
France, do not turn your back on LGBTQI communities around the world!
Fighting hate on the ballot: Queer resistance in elections in 2026

Middle East/North Africa

Cairo 52 Lawsuit
Egyptian court victory for trans people seeking gender transition
Two men holding hands. (Photo courtesy of Mimoun Kabdani)
Surviving hate: Gay man speaks out after street attack in Morocco
Spotlight on Mauritania, where LGBT people hide their identities for fear of stigma
LGBTQ rights advocacy is only possible in secret in Libya. (Photo courtesy of Kuchu Times / Zoonar.com)
Spotlight on Libya, where the LGBTQ community hides in the shadows

Americas

Map of countries criminalizing homosexuality, June 2026

Homosexuality is now illegal in 66 nations

The latest nation to adopt an anti-gay law is Niger in West Africa.

Haitian activists frustrated by diaspora groups speaking over them
USAID Cuts Protest
The costs of Trump’s USAID cuts keep rising
African and global figures by the dozens urge Senegal to talk, not enforce anti-gay law

Oceania

Young participant at Coming Out's rally for LGBT* rights holds a sign that states "Let's Live in Peace." (Photo courtesy of Coming Out)

LGBTQ+ news from Russia, Ukraine and Vanuatu

HUNGARY-LGBT-PRIDE-ANNIVERSARY

LGBTQ rights in 2026: What to expect around the world

Map of the 65 countries where sexual relations between people of the same sex are illegal. YELLOW countries have sodomy laws that are currently being challenged before local courts. Sri Lanka, in PINK, currently has a bill before its parliament to repeal its sodomy law. Indonesia, in ORANGE, has laws that criminalize homosexuality only in some subnational jurisdictions. All states in RED have nationwide sodomy laws and no known legislative efforts or court challenges to remove them.

LGBTQ rights update: 2025 tally and 2026 preview