How free is the community?
The State of LGBTQIA Equality in 2024
- Peter C Williams
- Average Reading Time: 17 minutes
- Community, Statistics
- articles, petercw
During Pride Month in June, in many countries, you will often see LGBTQIA+ flags flying high in major towns and cities, popular and well-known brands offering pride products in support of the community and typically, a raft of positive laws and reforms enacted during this month of visibility. In over 55 years since the Stonewall Riots in New York that gained international media attention and reignited the modern gay rights movement, what are the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in 2024 around the world?
DISCLAIMER
All published articles are intended for an audience aged 18 years and over and have been written by members of the general public. Many will likely not be journalists nor be affiliated with any professional bodies associated with members of the media. The articles will likely be based on the authors' own opinions, views, and experiences...more
What would they likely say in years to come if they were to sum up 2024? The first might be one of conflict, such as the wars between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the conflict between Israel and the state of Palestine. That is not to take into account the lesser covered and known conflicts in the Nagorno-Karabakh border regions, the Islamist insurgency group known as Boko Haram carrying out terrorist activities in numerous African countries, not to mention instability and civil wars in countries such as Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
2024 is a year of decisive elections, whether the US presidential election or those taking place in France, the United Kingdom and the European Union; it is clear that 2024 is an important year in world politics. One factor that cannot be ignored is the rise in more centre-right and far-right radical political parties, which often promote nationalist and isolative policies sweeping through democracies worldwide. Many commentators speculating that the increase in popularity of more right-wing political parties is a direct result of people’s frustration with falling economies, rising costs, and illegal border crossings. Coupled with the shift in global powers and influence and the fear of the unknown regarding artificial intelligence.
These factors typically do not create a backdrop of positive development for the LGBTQIA+ community. Some countries are capitalising on the shift in world politics and are going as far as using the community as a divisive tool to polarise their societies to change the focus from the real issues taking place, instead distracting and sparking up hatred and putting the LGBTQIA+ community in the spotlight, drawing much of people’s frustration. Even with the often hostile and anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, there have also been some positive developments quietly taking place around the world. So, let us now explore the state of LGBTQIA+ equality and rights in 2024.
2024 is a year of decisive elections, whether the US presidential election or those taking place in France, the United Kingdom and the European Union; it is clear that 2024 is an important year in world politics. One factor that cannot be ignored is the rise in more centre-right and far-right radical political parties, which often promote nationalist and isolative policies sweeping through democracies worldwide. Many commentators speculating that the increase in popularity of more right-wing political parties is a direct result of people’s frustration with falling economies, rising costs, and illegal border crossings. Coupled with the shift in global powers and influence and the fear of the unknown regarding artificial intelligence.
These factors typically do not create a backdrop of positive development for the LGBTQIA+ community. Some countries are capitalising on the shift in world politics and are going as far as using the community as a divisive tool to polarise their societies to change the focus from the real issues taking place, instead distracting and sparking up hatred and putting the LGBTQIA+ community in the spotlight, drawing much of people’s frustration. Even with the often hostile and anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, there have also been some positive developments quietly taking place around the world. So, let us now explore the state of LGBTQIA+ equality and rights in 2024.
SUMMARY
The term equality and its meaning seem to confuse many people. Searching through social media platforms, it is not uncommon to see posts of people speaking of equality as a shift or transfer of rights and privileges from one group to another, put another way, seen as removing or devaluating the rights of straight people living in that country, all of which is not true; the confusion likely born from the transition period. On occasion, when a country is trying to introduce equal rights for all, they may need to introduce additional laws to protect those affected during the transition, such as anti-discrimination or legal ramifications for ignoring the law. However, even with these laws designed to protect during the transition, equality is about treating everyone equally or the same.
Everyone living in society should be afforded the same rights and benefits regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexuality or how they choose to identify. Adults in most countries have certain rights, such as the right to safety, work, accommodation, marriage, starting a family, and much more. In countries that score low within the equality index, if a person were to live their truth and accept who they are, they could see some or all of their rights removed overnight and even their life and existence put at risk just because of their sexuality or gender identity, all because of something they cannot change only suppress and hide.
In 2024, 66 (or 28%) out of 233 countries criminalise same-sex relationships. Though countries such as the Cook Islands, Mauritius and Dominica repealed their laws criminalising homosexuality, Iraq brought in laws that now criminalise same-sex acts, with those being prosecuted facing up to 15 years in prison. At the end of 2023, Russia, in its campaign to promote traditional family values, reclassified the LGBTQIA+ community as an extremist organisation or group and has since been raiding gay bars and clubs, with many community members being arrested and detained. Ghana, in February 2024, introduced laws that meant anyone seen as promoting or advocating LGBTQIA+ rights could be prosecuted and face up to five years in prison.
For those countries that criminalise same-sex acts, of all countries around the world, 10 (or 4.3%) have a maximum penalty for those prosecuted of death, 5 (or 2.15%) permit or ignore vigilante beatings and killings, 28 (or 12%) issue heavy penalties of up to life imprisonment and 7 (or 3%) have a maximum penalty of up to 2 years in prison. In some of the countries that still have laws in place that criminalise homosexuality, 18 (or 7.7%) do not enforce prosecutions; though some cite the none-enforcement of prosecutions as a positive step, the issue is more around the fact that though prosecutions do not take place, it does not rule out that they could prosecute in the future. The only effective way to protect the local community is not to enforce prosecutions; instead, repealing and decriminalising those laws.
The Gayther Equality Index is an annually compiled index that evaluates each country on various factors, from whether laws exist criminalising same-sex relationships to the status of same-sex marriage. Based on the 2024 index, 75 (or 32.2%) countries scored high or very high in terms of having progressive laws and treatments relating to the LGBTQIA+ community, 99 (or 42.5) countries scored medium-high or medium-low and 59 (or 25.3%) of countries scored low or very low. Compared to the previous year (2023), the number of countries scoring low or very low increased by 2 (or 0.08%), the medium category saw a decrease of 7 (or -3%) and the high or very high increased by 5 (or 2.2%) of countries.
Though there have been many positive developments in 2023-2024, the rise in more right-wing agendas is a significant cause of concern. The slowing of economies, rising costs and polarisation taking place across the political spectrum historically have always been a problem for minority groups, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community, with political agendas targeting minorities as a means to distract and avoid facing ramifications for the poor management of their economies.
- Mauritius and Dominica decriminalised same-sex relationships
- Iraq brought in laws criminalising same-sex relationships
- Russia reclassified the LGBTQIA+ community as an extremist organisation or group
- Ghana introduced laws prohibiting individuals or groups from promoting or advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights
- 66 (or 28%) out criminalise same-sex relationships
- 18 (or 7.7%) do not enforce prosecutions
- 10 (or 4.3%) have a maximum penalty for those prosecuted of death
- 5 (or 2.15%) permit or ignore vigilante beatings and killings
- 28 (or 12%) issue heavy penalties of up to life imprisonment
- 7 (or 3%) have a maximum penalty of up to 2 years in prison
- 75 (or 32.2%) countries scored high or very high in the Gayther LGBTQIA+ Equality Index, an increase of 5 countries (or 2.2%) against the previous year
- 99 (or 42.5) of countries scored medium-high or medium-low in the Gayther LGBTQIA+ Equality Index, a decrease of 7 countries (or -3%) against the previous year
- 59 (or 25.3%) of countries scored low or very low in the Gayther LGBTQIA+ Equality Index, an increase of 2 countries (or 0.08%) against the previous year
The term equality and its meaning seem to confuse many people. Searching through social media platforms, it is not uncommon to see posts of people speaking of equality as a shift or transfer of rights and privileges from one group to another, put another way, seen as removing or devaluating the rights of straight people living in that country, all of which is not true; the confusion likely born from the transition period. On occasion, when a country is trying to introduce equal rights for all, they may need to introduce additional laws to protect those affected during the transition, such as anti-discrimination or legal ramifications for ignoring the law. However, even with these laws designed to protect during the transition, equality is about treating everyone equally or the same.
Everyone living in society should be afforded the same rights and benefits regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexuality or how they choose to identify. Adults in most countries have certain rights, such as the right to safety, work, accommodation, marriage, starting a family, and much more. In countries that score low within the equality index, if a person were to live their truth and accept who they are, they could see some or all of their rights removed overnight and even their life and existence put at risk just because of their sexuality or gender identity, all because of something they cannot change only suppress and hide.
In 2024, 66 (or 28%) out of 233 countries criminalise same-sex relationships. Though countries such as the Cook Islands, Mauritius and Dominica repealed their laws criminalising homosexuality, Iraq brought in laws that now criminalise same-sex acts, with those being prosecuted facing up to 15 years in prison. At the end of 2023, Russia, in its campaign to promote traditional family values, reclassified the LGBTQIA+ community as an extremist organisation or group and has since been raiding gay bars and clubs, with many community members being arrested and detained. Ghana, in February 2024, introduced laws that meant anyone seen as promoting or advocating LGBTQIA+ rights could be prosecuted and face up to five years in prison.
For those countries that criminalise same-sex acts, of all countries around the world, 10 (or 4.3%) have a maximum penalty for those prosecuted of death, 5 (or 2.15%) permit or ignore vigilante beatings and killings, 28 (or 12%) issue heavy penalties of up to life imprisonment and 7 (or 3%) have a maximum penalty of up to 2 years in prison. In some of the countries that still have laws in place that criminalise homosexuality, 18 (or 7.7%) do not enforce prosecutions; though some cite the none-enforcement of prosecutions as a positive step, the issue is more around the fact that though prosecutions do not take place, it does not rule out that they could prosecute in the future. The only effective way to protect the local community is not to enforce prosecutions; instead, repealing and decriminalising those laws.
The Gayther Equality Index is an annually compiled index that evaluates each country on various factors, from whether laws exist criminalising same-sex relationships to the status of same-sex marriage. Based on the 2024 index, 75 (or 32.2%) countries scored high or very high in terms of having progressive laws and treatments relating to the LGBTQIA+ community, 99 (or 42.5) countries scored medium-high or medium-low and 59 (or 25.3%) of countries scored low or very low. Compared to the previous year (2023), the number of countries scoring low or very low increased by 2 (or 0.08%), the medium category saw a decrease of 7 (or -3%) and the high or very high increased by 5 (or 2.2%) of countries.
Though there have been many positive developments in 2023-2024, the rise in more right-wing agendas is a significant cause of concern. The slowing of economies, rising costs and polarisation taking place across the political spectrum historically have always been a problem for minority groups, especially for the LGBTQIA+ community, with political agendas targeting minorities as a means to distract and avoid facing ramifications for the poor management of their economies.
SUMMARY
In 2024, 90 (or 38.6%) out of 233 countries around the world have extensive anti-discrimination laws in place protecting hate speech and crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community. 40 (or 17.2%) countries have some laws to protect certain aspects of anti-discrimination, and 103 (or 44.2%) countries have no anti-discrimination laws.
Europe has the highest number of countries with extensive anti-discrimination laws at 39 (or 81.3%) out of 48 countries, followed by the Americas at 29 (or 54.7%) out of 53 countries. The continent with the least number of countries with extensive anti-discrimination laws is Asia, with 6 (or 11.8%) out of 51 countries, followed by Africa with 7 (12.3%) out of 57 countries.
In 2023, Bulgaria passed a law that amended its criminal code, which now imposes stricter penalties for crimes committed against a person based on their sexual orientation. Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court ruled that laws relating to hate crimes should include LGBTQIA+ individuals, meaning those prosecuted for hate speech or crimes could face two to five years in prison.
- Bulgaria passed a law which now imposes stricter penalties for crimes committed against a person based on their sexual orientation.
- Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court ruled that laws relating to hate crimes should include LGBTQIA+ individuals, meaning those prosecuted for hate speech or crimes could face two to five years in prison
- 90 (or 38.6%) of countries have extensive anti-discrimination laws in place
- 40 (or 17.2%) of countries have some laws in place to protect some aspects regarding anti-discrimination
- 103 (or 44.2%) of countries have no anti-discrimination laws in place
- 39 (or 81.3%) out of 48 countries in Europe have extensive anti-discrimination laws
- 29 (or 54.7%) out of 53 countries in the Americas have extensive anti-discrimination laws
- 6 (or 11.8%) out of 51 countries in Asia have extensive anti-discrimination laws
- 7 (12.3%) out of 57 countries in Africa have extensive anti-discrimination laws
In 2024, 90 (or 38.6%) out of 233 countries around the world have extensive anti-discrimination laws in place protecting hate speech and crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community. 40 (or 17.2%) countries have some laws to protect certain aspects of anti-discrimination, and 103 (or 44.2%) countries have no anti-discrimination laws.
Europe has the highest number of countries with extensive anti-discrimination laws at 39 (or 81.3%) out of 48 countries, followed by the Americas at 29 (or 54.7%) out of 53 countries. The continent with the least number of countries with extensive anti-discrimination laws is Asia, with 6 (or 11.8%) out of 51 countries, followed by Africa with 7 (12.3%) out of 57 countries.
In 2023, Bulgaria passed a law that amended its criminal code, which now imposes stricter penalties for crimes committed against a person based on their sexual orientation. Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court ruled that laws relating to hate crimes should include LGBTQIA+ individuals, meaning those prosecuted for hate speech or crimes could face two to five years in prison.
SUMMARY
In 2024, 98 (or 42.1%) of 233 countries have laws that legally recognise gender changes. Of the 98 countries that recognise gender identities, 8 (or 8.2%) of countries require a person to undergo sterilisation, 32 (or 32.7%) require surgery, 7 (or 3%) require some form of treatment and 6 (or 2.6%) issue legal documentation.
Europe has the highest number of countries recognising gender identities, with 37 (or 77.1%) out of 48 countries, followed by Asia, with 23 (or 45.1%) out of 48 countries. Africa has the lowest number of countries that recognise gender identities, with 6 (or 10.5%) out of 57 countries, followed by Oceania at 9 (or 37.5%) out of 24 countries.
Since 2023, Andorra passed a law that allows a transgender individual to legally change their gender without the need for surgery or sterilisation; however, a two-year waiting period is required. Finland’s parliament passed a law to legally change their gender without the need for surgery or sterilisation. The appeals court in Hong Kong ruled that the government’s policy relating to forcing transgender individuals to undergo surgery before legally changing their gender was unconstitutional.
Spain’s Ley Trans bill came into effect, which allows transgender individuals to legally change their gender by signing a declaration without the need for psychological counselling and in New Zealand, the sex discrimination provision was altered within the Human Rights Act 1993 to allow transgender individuals to change their gender on birth certificates by self-determination.
The parliament of Germany, known as the Bundestag, passed a law easing the legal procedures for changing names and gender identity. The parliament of Sweden, known as the Riksdag, passed a law lowering the minimum age to change gender from 18 to 16 legally. In a reversal of progressive laws, Russia passed a law that has now made it illegal for transgender individuals to change their gender.
- 98 (or 42.1%) out of 233 countries have laws that legally recognise gender changes
- 8 (or 8.2%) out of 98 countries require a person to undergo sterilisation
- 32 (or 32.7%) out of 98 countries require surgery
- 7 (or 3%) out of 98 countries require some form of treatment
- 6 (or 2.6%) out of 98 countries issue legal documentation.
- 37 (or 77.1%) out of 48 countries in Europe recognise gender identities
- 23 (or 45.1%) out of 51 countries in Asia recognise gender identities
- 23 (or 43.4%) out of 53 countries in the Americas recognise gender identities
- 9 (or 37.5%) out of 24 countries in Oceania recognise gender identities
- 6 (or 10.5%) out of 57 countries in Africa recognise gender identities
- Andorra passed a law that allows a transgender individual to legally change their gender without the need for surgery or sterilisation
- Finland’s parliament passed a law to legally change their gender without the need for surgery or sterilisation
- The appeals court in Hong Kong ruled that the government’s policy relating to transgender individuals was unconstitutional.
- Spain’s Ley Trans bill came into effect, allowing transgender individuals to legally change their gender by signing a declaration without the need for psychological counselling.
- In New Zealand, the sex discrimination provision was altered within the Human Rights Act 1993 to allow transgender individuals to change their gender on birth certificates by self-determination.
- The parliament of Germany passed a law easing the legal procedures for changing names and gender identity.
- The parliament of Sweden passed a law lowering the minimum age to legally change gender from 18 to 16.
- Russia passed a law that has now made it illegal for transgender individuals to change their gender.
In 2024, 98 (or 42.1%) of 233 countries have laws that legally recognise gender changes. Of the 98 countries that recognise gender identities, 8 (or 8.2%) of countries require a person to undergo sterilisation, 32 (or 32.7%) require surgery, 7 (or 3%) require some form of treatment and 6 (or 2.6%) issue legal documentation.
Europe has the highest number of countries recognising gender identities, with 37 (or 77.1%) out of 48 countries, followed by Asia, with 23 (or 45.1%) out of 48 countries. Africa has the lowest number of countries that recognise gender identities, with 6 (or 10.5%) out of 57 countries, followed by Oceania at 9 (or 37.5%) out of 24 countries.
Since 2023, Andorra passed a law that allows a transgender individual to legally change their gender without the need for surgery or sterilisation; however, a two-year waiting period is required. Finland’s parliament passed a law to legally change their gender without the need for surgery or sterilisation. The appeals court in Hong Kong ruled that the government’s policy relating to forcing transgender individuals to undergo surgery before legally changing their gender was unconstitutional.
Spain’s Ley Trans bill came into effect, which allows transgender individuals to legally change their gender by signing a declaration without the need for psychological counselling and in New Zealand, the sex discrimination provision was altered within the Human Rights Act 1993 to allow transgender individuals to change their gender on birth certificates by self-determination.
The parliament of Germany, known as the Bundestag, passed a law easing the legal procedures for changing names and gender identity. The parliament of Sweden, known as the Riksdag, passed a law lowering the minimum age to change gender from 18 to 16 legally. In a reversal of progressive laws, Russia passed a law that has now made it illegal for transgender individuals to change their gender.
SUMMARY
In 2024, 76 (or 32.6%) countries worldwide recognise some form of same-sex marriage, civil unions, and partnerships, and 63 (or 27%) countries have legally recognised same-sex marriages. Europe has the highest number of countries allowing same-sex unions or marriages at 68.8% or 33 countries, followed by the Americas at 49.1% or 26 countries. Africa has the lowest number of countries allowing same-sex marriages and unions at 7% or four countries, followed by Asia at 9.8% or five countries.
Estonia, Greece, Nepal, and Thailand all passed laws recognising same-sex marriage in 2023 and 2024, and the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein passed laws legalising same-sex marriages, which will come into effect in 2025. Regarding civil partnerships, Latvia passed a law recognising the forming of civil unions for same-sex couples. Finally, in December 2023, the Church of England and the Catholic Church began blessing same-sex couples.
For those LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples looking to start families, 61 (or 26%) of 233 countries now recognise some form of adoption. During 2023 and the start of 2024, Bolivia, Estonia, Liechtenstein, and Taiwan all passed laws giving same-sex couples adoption rights. Starting in 2025, the Czech Republic will not permit same-sex couples to carry out stepchild adoptions.
- 74 (or 32%) of countries recognised civil partnerships or unions
- 63 (or 27%) of countries recognise same-sex marriages
- 61 (or 26%) of countries recognise some form of adoption for single or LGBTQIA+ couples
- Latvia passed a law recognising the forming of civil unions for same-sex couples.
- Estonia, Greece, Nepal, and Thailand passed laws legalising same-sex marriages in 2024
- The Czech Republic and Liechtenstein passed laws legalising same-sex marriages, which come into effect in 2025
- In December 2023, the Church of England and the Catholic Church began blessing same-sex couples.
- In Bolivia, Estonia, Liechtenstein, and Taiwan, same-sex couples can now carry out joint adoptions.
- In the Czech Republic, with the introduction of same-sex marriage laws in the country, same-sex couples are now allowed to carry out stepchild adoptions.
In 2024, 76 (or 32.6%) countries worldwide recognise some form of same-sex marriage, civil unions, and partnerships, and 63 (or 27%) countries have legally recognised same-sex marriages. Europe has the highest number of countries allowing same-sex unions or marriages at 68.8% or 33 countries, followed by the Americas at 49.1% or 26 countries. Africa has the lowest number of countries allowing same-sex marriages and unions at 7% or four countries, followed by Asia at 9.8% or five countries.
Estonia, Greece, Nepal, and Thailand all passed laws recognising same-sex marriage in 2023 and 2024, and the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein passed laws legalising same-sex marriages, which will come into effect in 2025. Regarding civil partnerships, Latvia passed a law recognising the forming of civil unions for same-sex couples. Finally, in December 2023, the Church of England and the Catholic Church began blessing same-sex couples.
For those LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples looking to start families, 61 (or 26%) of 233 countries now recognise some form of adoption. During 2023 and the start of 2024, Bolivia, Estonia, Liechtenstein, and Taiwan all passed laws giving same-sex couples adoption rights. Starting in 2025, the Czech Republic will not permit same-sex couples to carry out stepchild adoptions.
SUMMARY
Gay conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, is a practice in which an individual goes through a treatment designed to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Even though some of these types of therapies have claimed success stories, the practice is typically condemned as it is considered harmful and ineffective by many well-respected psychiatrist associations and medical bodies around the world. Any perceived success is more around teaching a person to hide, suppress or deny who they are with harmful long-term consequences.
In 2024, 22 (or 9.4%) countries around the world have laws in place banning gay conversion therapy. Three (or 1.3%) of countries (Iran, Malaysia and Uganda) have gone the opposite way and formally legalised Gay Conversion Therapy Legal, effectively making it state-approved. Of the 22 countries that have active bans in place, it means 8.6% or 18.5 million individuals from the global LGBTQIA+ community live now in countries in which Gay Conversion Therapy is banned. Europe has the most bans, with 11 countries, followed by the Americas. Even though Asia and Oceania each retrospectively have three countries that prohibit the practice, Africa is the only continent in the world with no bans.
In some countries, such as Australia, Chile, China, India, Mexico, Paraguay and the United States, even though there is not a nationwide ban, certain states, regions, or the country’s legal system have ad-hoc, reviewed on a case-by-case basis or regional restrictions in place. Several countries are considering the legislation, and others are delaying the implementation of nationwide bans. The United Kingdom’s conservative party made a manifesto pledge in the 2019 election to ban conversion therapy and, in the five years of running the country, failed to do so. Leading up to the United Kingdom’s July 4, 2024 Election, two (Labour and the Liberal Democrats) out of the three major parties made manifesto pledges to ban gay conversion therapy, with the Conservative party now backtracking and stating that they believe existing laws sufficiently protect minors and those vulnerable in society.
Even though there have been many positive developments concerning the rights and protections around the world concerning the LGBTQIA+ community, it seems that a country’s views and reforms of its laws are becoming even more polarised. Typically, developed and progressive nations are enhancing and taking steps to further protect and safeguard the rights of vulnerable minorities, with middle-ground countries slowly advancing the equal rights of their citizens. The more alarming trend is around countries with a history of targeting and persecuting the LGBTQIA+ community. Even with people in those countries tirelessly advocating and risking their lives each day, we are seeing the governments in these countries doubling down and worsening and tightening their legislation to restrict further and persecute these vulnerable minorities.
The rise of right-wing politics is something to watch with regard to worldwide equality. Historically, right-wing parties may not always run on a platform of targeting vulnerable groups; however, once in power, some may begin reversing and cancelling out progressive laws and reforms. Not all centre-right- and right-wing parties have an anti-LGBTQIA+ agenda; however, traditionally, many do cite traditional values in which diversity, sexuality and gender identities are targeted within their overall agenda and narrative.
In a world of so much uncertainty, conflict, and strife, it is now more important than ever before that both young and old notice what is happening around them and use their vote to elect who best represents them, holding their politicians to account and at the same time ensuring that we do not sleepwalk into disaster. Governments and leaders can only do what they do because we collectively allow them to do so by ignoring what is going on or believing we are powerless. If everyone in our society believed in equal and fair treatment for all, lawmakers worldwide would have no choice but to implement progressive laws, making it no longer an issue or something many, even today, still have to fight hard for every positive reform achieved.
Finally, it is important to reiterate that equality is not about taking away or giving more to one group than another; instead, it is the objective that everyone, regardless of their religion, race, sexuality or gender identity, is treated the same, with the same rights and protection within the law. A goal that does not seem unattainable or unreasonable.
- Belgium, the Republic of Cyprus, Iceland, Norway, Portugal and Spain all implemented bans on conversion therapy in 2023-2024
- 9.4% or 22 countries have nationwide bans in place concerning Gay Conversion Therapy
- 8.6% or 18.5 million individuals from the global LGBTQIA+ community live now in countries in which Gay Conversion Therapy is banned
- Iran, Malaysia and Uganda have made Gay Conversion Therapy not only Legal but it is also made it approved by the state
- 17 of the 22 countries that have nationwide bans concerning Gay Conversion Therapy have a status of Very High within the 2024 Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Equality Index
Gay conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, is a practice in which an individual goes through a treatment designed to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Even though some of these types of therapies have claimed success stories, the practice is typically condemned as it is considered harmful and ineffective by many well-respected psychiatrist associations and medical bodies around the world. Any perceived success is more around teaching a person to hide, suppress or deny who they are with harmful long-term consequences.
In 2024, 22 (or 9.4%) countries around the world have laws in place banning gay conversion therapy. Three (or 1.3%) of countries (Iran, Malaysia and Uganda) have gone the opposite way and formally legalised Gay Conversion Therapy Legal, effectively making it state-approved. Of the 22 countries that have active bans in place, it means 8.6% or 18.5 million individuals from the global LGBTQIA+ community live now in countries in which Gay Conversion Therapy is banned. Europe has the most bans, with 11 countries, followed by the Americas. Even though Asia and Oceania each retrospectively have three countries that prohibit the practice, Africa is the only continent in the world with no bans.
In some countries, such as Australia, Chile, China, India, Mexico, Paraguay and the United States, even though there is not a nationwide ban, certain states, regions, or the country’s legal system have ad-hoc, reviewed on a case-by-case basis or regional restrictions in place. Several countries are considering the legislation, and others are delaying the implementation of nationwide bans. The United Kingdom’s conservative party made a manifesto pledge in the 2019 election to ban conversion therapy and, in the five years of running the country, failed to do so. Leading up to the United Kingdom’s July 4, 2024 Election, two (Labour and the Liberal Democrats) out of the three major parties made manifesto pledges to ban gay conversion therapy, with the Conservative party now backtracking and stating that they believe existing laws sufficiently protect minors and those vulnerable in society.
Even though there have been many positive developments concerning the rights and protections around the world concerning the LGBTQIA+ community, it seems that a country’s views and reforms of its laws are becoming even more polarised. Typically, developed and progressive nations are enhancing and taking steps to further protect and safeguard the rights of vulnerable minorities, with middle-ground countries slowly advancing the equal rights of their citizens. The more alarming trend is around countries with a history of targeting and persecuting the LGBTQIA+ community. Even with people in those countries tirelessly advocating and risking their lives each day, we are seeing the governments in these countries doubling down and worsening and tightening their legislation to restrict further and persecute these vulnerable minorities.
The rise of right-wing politics is something to watch with regard to worldwide equality. Historically, right-wing parties may not always run on a platform of targeting vulnerable groups; however, once in power, some may begin reversing and cancelling out progressive laws and reforms. Not all centre-right- and right-wing parties have an anti-LGBTQIA+ agenda; however, traditionally, many do cite traditional values in which diversity, sexuality and gender identities are targeted within their overall agenda and narrative.
In a world of so much uncertainty, conflict, and strife, it is now more important than ever before that both young and old notice what is happening around them and use their vote to elect who best represents them, holding their politicians to account and at the same time ensuring that we do not sleepwalk into disaster. Governments and leaders can only do what they do because we collectively allow them to do so by ignoring what is going on or believing we are powerless. If everyone in our society believed in equal and fair treatment for all, lawmakers worldwide would have no choice but to implement progressive laws, making it no longer an issue or something many, even today, still have to fight hard for every positive reform achieved.
Finally, it is important to reiterate that equality is not about taking away or giving more to one group than another; instead, it is the objective that everyone, regardless of their religion, race, sexuality or gender identity, is treated the same, with the same rights and protection within the law. A goal that does not seem unattainable or unreasonable.
Learn more about how individual countries and regions around the world treat members of the LGBTQIA+ community. From the status and laws of same-sex marriages to gender identity recognition, this easy-to-use equality index provides a score and breakdown for every country worldwide.
Learn more about the exceptional LGBTQIA+ community, discover the community’s history, the ongoing movement for equality, the size of the community and how much it contributes to the world economy, frequently asked questions and much more.
Discover the many campaigns going on worldwide at any given time. Establish a cause and get involved to help all those members of the global LGBTQIA+ community who are being persecuted or facing injustices in their daily lives.
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