State-Sponsored Homophobia Report 2019

On 20 March, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) launched the 13th edition of its flagship publication, State-Sponsored Homophobia.

This publication compiles data on laws that affect people on the basis of their sexual orientation. There are currently 6 UN Member States that impose the death penalty on consensual same-sex sexual acts, and a further five States where such a punishment is technically possible. In 26 other countries the maximum penalty can vary between 10 years to a life imprisonment.

On the other hand, legislation that protects lesbian, gay and bisexual persons from discrimination and violence has expanded in recent years, even if it is at a slower pace than it was hoped for. “Positive laws make all the difference: they can contribute to changing public attitudes, and they concretely tell people that they are equally worthy of rights,” says Helen Kennedy, Co-Secretaries General of ILGA.

Get more information and download report.