As of 2020, homosexual relations were criminalized in 32 countries in Africa. In four countries, the legislation imposed the death penalty for sexual relations between people of the same sex. These countries were Nigeria, Mauritania, Sudan, and Somalia. Worldwide, 71 countries criminalize homosexuality as of 2021. Most of them are located in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In 11 countries, the death penalty is imposed or at least a possibility for private, consensual same-sex sexual activity.
Criminalization of same-sex relations in Africa as of 2020, by status
Characteristic
Number of countries
Countries in which sexual relations between people of the same sex are illegal
32
Countries in which the legislation imposes the death penalty for sexual relations between people of the same sex
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
Together Against the Death Penalty. (October 15, 2021). Criminalization of same-sex relations in Africa as of 2020, by status [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269999/criminalization-of-same-sex-relations-in-africa/
Together Against the Death Penalty. "Criminalization of same-sex relations in Africa as of 2020, by status." Chart. October 15, 2021. Statista. Accessed December 30, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269999/criminalization-of-same-sex-relations-in-africa/
Together Against the Death Penalty. (2021). Criminalization of same-sex relations in Africa as of 2020, by status. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 30, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269999/criminalization-of-same-sex-relations-in-africa/
Together Against the Death Penalty. "Criminalization of Same-sex Relations in Africa as of 2020, by Status." Statista, Statista Inc., 15 Oct 2021, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269999/criminalization-of-same-sex-relations-in-africa/
Together Against the Death Penalty, Criminalization of same-sex relations in Africa as of 2020, by status Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269999/criminalization-of-same-sex-relations-in-africa/ (last visited December 30, 2024)
Criminalization of same-sex relations in Africa as of 2020, by status [Graph], Together Against the Death Penalty, October 15, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269999/criminalization-of-same-sex-relations-in-africa/
