LGBTQ rights in the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic | |
|---|---|
 Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and claimed territories | |
| Status | Illegal (dubious) |
| Penalty | Up to 3 years' imprisonment (dubious) |
| Discrimination protections | None |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No recognition of same-sex unions |
| Adoption | No |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) face significant challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents.
Multiple sources such as the Council for Global Equality, Equaldex and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association describe same-sex sexual activity as being illegal in the SADR for both males and females, and punishable by up to three years in prison. [1] [2] [3] [4]
According to a 2009 USCRI report, Sahrawi government officials in refugee camps in Algeria "declared that they were holding some prisoners on charges of "homosexuality" even as they alleged facts that would more fittingly describe rape." [5]
Ahmed Mulay Alli, diplomatic representative of the SADR in Mexico, was quoted in a 2010 report as saying "the Constitution of the SADR does not refer to homosexuality or any other sexual practice; that is, it does not touch on it, it does not punish it". [6] According to the Spanish Commission for Refugee Aid (CEAR), there is thus no type of protection for LGBTQ individuals in case of discrimination or violence. Most residents of the country are Muslim, and same-sex relationships are seen as a foreign phenomenon. [7]
The region was under Spanish colonial rule until 1976, and homosexuality was not decriminalized in Spain until 1979. [8] Same-sex sexual activity is also illegal in Morocco, [9] which controls most of the territory in Western Sahara claimed by the SADR.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) is a LGBTQ+ rights organization.
This is a list of notable events in the history of LGBT rights that took place in the year 1976.
Rights affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people vary greatly by country or jurisdiction—encompassing everything from the legal recognition of same-sex marriage to the death penalty for homosexuality.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Morocco face significant challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people in Ghana face severe challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Sexual acts between males have been illegal as "unnatural carnal knowledge" in Ghana since the colonial era. The majority of Ghana's population hold anti-LGBTQ sentiments. Physical and violent homophobic attacks against LGBTQ people occur, and are often encouraged by the media and religious and political leaders. At times, government officials, such as police, engage in such acts of violence. Young gay people are known to be disowned by their families and communities and evicted from their homes. Families often seek conversion therapy from religious groups when same-sex orientation or non-conforming gender identity is disclosed; such "therapy" is reported to be commonly administered in abusive and inhumane settings.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan face severe challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Afghan members of the LGBT community are forced to keep their gender identity and sexual orientation secret, in fear of violence and the death penalty. The religious nature of the country has limited any opportunity for public discussion, with any mention of homosexuality and related terms deemed taboo.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Armenia face legal and social challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents, due in part to the lack of laws prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity and in part to prevailing negative attitudes about LGBT persons throughout society.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Burundi face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ citizens. While never criminalized before 2009, Burundi has since criminalized same-sex sexual activity by both men and women with a penalty up to two years in prison and a fine. LGBTQ persons are regularly prosecuted and persecuted by the government and additionally face stigmatisation among the broader population.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Comoros face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. LGBT persons are regularly prosecuted by the government and additionally face stigmatization among the broader population.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Sudan face significant challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity in Sudan is illegal for both men and women, while homophobic attitudes remain ingrained throughout the nation.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Turkmenistan face active discrimination and stigmatization compared to non-LGBT residents. Turkmenistan is one of the only two post-Soviet states where male homosexual activity remains criminalised, along with Uzbekistan.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Somalia face severe challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Consensual same-sex sexual activity is illegal for both men and women. In areas controlled by al-Shabab, and in Jubaland, capital punishment is imposed for such sexual activity. In other areas, where Sharia does not apply, the civil law code specifies prison sentences of up to three years as penalty. LGBTQ people are regularly prosecuted by the government and additionally face stigmatization among the broader population. Stigmatization and criminalisation of homosexuality in Somalia occur in a legal and cultural context where 99% of the population follow Islam as their religion, while the country has had an unstable government and has been subjected to a civil war for decades.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Solomon Islands face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment, but the law is not enforced.
This is a list of notable events in the history of LGBT rights that took place in the 1970s.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in Africa are generally poor in comparison to the Americas, Western Europe and Oceania.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people are generally discriminated in the Maldives.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Togo face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Both male and female forms of same-sex sexual activity are illegal in Togo, with no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or adoption rights.
The following outline offers an overview and guide to LGBTQ topics:
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Abkhazia face severe challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents.
Specifically, "the Constitution of the SADR does not refer to homosexuality or any other sexual practice; that is, it does not touch on it, it does not punish it," but neither does it assume it as a reality, it omits it, it excludes it; it does not consider it a social phenomenon that needs to be put on the table for discussion.