Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Burkina Faso face severe legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Since 2025, same-sex sexual acts have been criminalised with severe legal penalties,[3] and there is no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or adoption rights.
Prior to 2025, male and female types of same-sex sexual activity had always been legal in Burkina Faso, with an equal age of consent implemented in 1996.[4] In July 2024, the military junta, led by Ibrahim Traore, in power since the September 2022 Burkina Faso coup d'état, adopted an amended family code draft which would make homosexual acts illegal.[5][6][7]
Since September 1, 2025, homosexuality and LGBTQ activities including foreigners were banned entirely with up to 2 to 5 years in prison and a fine.[8] The legislation took effect immediately.[9]
La famille est la cellule de base de la société. L'Etat lui doit protection. Le mariage est fondé sur le libre consentement de l'homme et de la femme. Toute discrimination fondée sur la race, la couleur, la religion, l'ethnie, la caste, l'origine sociale, la fortune est interdite en matière de mariage. Les enfants sont égaux en droits et en devoirs dans leurs relations familiales. Les parents ont le droit naturel et le devoir d'élever et d'éduquer leurs enfants. Ceux-ci leur doivent respect et assistance.[10]
Translated into English, the Constitution says:
The family is the basic cell of society. The State owes protection. Marriage is based on the free consent of man and woman. Any discrimination based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, caste, social origin, fortune is forbidden in marriage. Children are equal in rights and duties in family relationships. Parents have the natural right and duty to bring up and educate their children. They owe them respect and assistance.
Adoption and family planning
According to the U.S. Department of State, "Married, cohabiting, heterosexual couples who have been married for at least five years may adopt a child. Single applicants are almost never permitted to adopt children in Burkina Faso."[11]
The law does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in employment and occupation, housing, statelessness, or access to education or health care. However, societal discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity remained a problem. Religious and traditional beliefs do not accept homosexuality, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons were reportedly occasional victims of verbal and physical abuse. There were no reports that the government responded to societal violence and discrimination against such persons. LGBTQ organizations had no legal presence in the country but existed unofficially. There were no reports of government or societal violence against such organizations.
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS has a relatively low presence in Burkina Faso when compared to other African nations, with 0.80% of adults aged 15–49 infected by the virus.[13] However, HIV remains a threat to the approximately 94,000 people infected as an estimated 65% of adult citizens living with HIV in Burkina Faso have access to antiretroviral drugs. Furthermore, only 28% of children aged 0–14 have access to antiretroviral drugs, a number that trails many African nations.[14] Despite this, antiretroviral coverage has significantly improved in the country, as the estimated coverage for all ages was 32% in 2010.
Summary table
Same-sex sexual activity legal
(Penalty: 2 to 5 years imprisonment and fines.)
Equal age of consent (18)
Anti-discrimination laws in hate speech and violence
Anti-discrimination laws in employment
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services
Same-sex marriage
Recognition of same-sex couples
Step-child adoption by same-sex couples
Joint adoption by same-sex couples
Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the military
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