Global Criminalization and Rising Legal Attacks on LGBTQI Rights
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): Personal SubStack
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2026/07/11
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ILGA World notes 65 UN member states criminalize same-sex sexual acts. Seven legally prescribe the death penalty, with five others having an uncertain legal position.
Human Dignity Trust found 66 countries or jurisdictions criminalize LGBT people and 13 jurisdictions have the death penalty imposed/legally possible for consensual same-sex sexual activity. ILGA World research states that the number of states criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual acts rose in 2025 for the first time in almost a decade.
AP News notes more than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries criminalize consensual same-sex sexual acts. At least 63 UN member states restrict expression related to any sexual, gender, or bodily diversity. 61 impose legal barriers on organizations openly advocating for LGBTI rights. Only 18 UN members states allow national legal gender recognition based on self-determination. Only 17 have nationwide bans on conversion practices.
Only 37 UN member states and Taiwan have marriage equality. 54% of LGBTQI surveyed youth by UNESCO in Europe experienced bullying based on gender expression, gender identity, sex characteristics, or sexual orientation. 83% heard negative comments. 67% were the targets. UNAIDS: Men who have had sex with other men – a median of 16% experienced stigma or discrimination. 9.4% avoid healthcare because of stigma/discrimination.
Reuters found more than a dozen African countries pledged the pursuit of new anti-LGBT bills after a Ghana conference. 20 national representatives attended. 18 of the 20 approved a “family values” charter.
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