
Map shows members of the Commonwealth, including nations with anti-homosexuality laws and those that have repealed them. (Map courtesy of Wikipedia)
Among the 52 nations in the Commonwealth of countries that formerly belonged to the British Empire, the following 36 still have anti-homosexuality laws, which first were imposed by the British. Worldwide, 77+ countries have anti-homosexuality laws.
The Commonwealth total was 39 countries with anti-LGBT laws until 2016. In May 2016, Seychelles repealed its anti-gay law. In August 2016, the Supreme Court in Belize overturned that nation’s anti-sodomy law as applied to consensual sex. Maldives retained its anti-gay law, but left the Commonwealth in October 2016.
The following list includes links to this blog’s coverage of them.
Africa
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Malawi (enforcement of law suspended)
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Sierra Leone
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
Lesotho was formerly on the list, but it has adopted a new Penal Code that apparently eliminates the nation’s former common-law crime of sodomy.
Asia
Americas
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Barbados
- Dominica (But see “Dominica leader: No enforcement of anti-gay law.”)
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- St Kitts & Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent & the Grenadines
- Trinidad & Tobago
Oceania
Former members of the Commonwealth
These nations — formerly part of the British Empire — have maintained anti-homosexuality laws but have withdrawn from the Commonwealth:
- The Gambia (withdrew in 2013)
- Zimbabwe (withdrew in 2003)
- Maldives (withdrew in 2016).
Related articles
- Commonwealth: Maybe talk about LGBTI rights in 2018? (December 2015, 76crimes.com)
- Protesters seek to end LGBTI repression in Commonwealth (November 2015, 76crimes.com)
- Activists to U.K.: Fight harder vs. global LGBT persecution (June 2015, 76crimes.com)
- Queen honors LGBTI leader seeking change in Barbados (January 2015, 76crimes.com)
- ‘Umbrellas of Love’ for Commonwealth’s LGBT outcasts (July 2014, 76crimes.com)
- India turns back the clock, restores anti-gay law (December 3013, 76crimes.com)
- Homosexuality illegal in 41 out of 53 Commonwealth countries – report (November 2013, The Guardian)
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The 42 Commonwealth Nations where being gay can land you in prison (August 2013, Pink News)