LGBTQ rights in Asia

LGBTQ rights in Asia
StatusLegal, with an equal age of consent, in 29 out of 50 states
Legal, with an equal age of consent, in 7 territories
Gender identityLegal in 23 out of 50 states
Legal in 1 territory
MilitaryAllowed in 9 out of 50 states
Allowed in 2 territories
Discrimination protectionsProtected in 14 out of 50 states
Protected in 4 territories
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsRecognized in 5 out of 50 states
Recognized in 4 territories
RestrictionsSame-sex marriage constitutionally banned in 5 out of 50 states
AdoptionLegal in 2 out of 50 states
Part of a series on
LGBTQ rights
The Greek letter "lambda"
Lesbian ∙ Gay ∙ Bisexual ∙ Transgender ∙ Queer
Overview
Aspects
Opposition
Organizations
Politics
Timeline
Related
LGBTQ portal

Laws governing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights are complex in Asia, and acceptance of LGBTQ persons is generally low. Same-sex sexual activity is outlawed in at least twenty Asian countries. In Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, homosexual activity results in death penalty.[1][2] In addition, LGBT people also face extrajudicial executions from non-state actors such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.[3][4] While egalitarian relationships have become more frequent in recent years, they remain rare.[2][5][6]

Historical discrimination towards homosexuality in much of the region include the ban on homosexual acts enforced by Genghis Khan in the Mongol Empire, which made male homosexuality punishable by death.[7][8] The Fatawa-e-Alamgiri of the Mughal Empire (descended from the Mongol Empire) mandated a common set of punishments for homosexuality, which could include 50 lashes for a slave, 100 for a free infidel, or death by stoning for a Muslim,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15] whereas the Yuan Dynasty (descended from the Mongol Empire) implemented a crackdown on homosexuality in China that was continued by the Ming Dynasty.[16][17]

Many Asian countries have collectivist cultures, wherein aggression is generally accepted by society if it is used to protect the family honor. Homosexuality is generally considered to be dishonorable, so homophobic aggression in the name of protecting family honor is common.[18]

The only Asian jurisdictions which nationally recognize same-sex marriage are Taiwan and Thailand.[19][20] In 2019, a survey by The Economist found 45% of respondents in the Asia-Pacific believed that same-sex marriage is inevitable in the region, while 31% of respondents disagreed. Furthermore, three-quarters of those surveyed reported a more open climate for LGBT rights compared to three years ago. Of those reporting an improving climate for LGBT people, 38% cited a change in policies or laws. Meanwhile, 36% said coverage of LGBT issues in mainstream media was a major factor. The top reasons cited for diminishing openness was anti-LGBT advocacy by religious institutions.[21][22]

Laws regarding homosexuality in Asia
Same-sex sexual activity legal
  Marriage performed
  Marriage recognized
  Other type of partnership
  Legal guardianships or unregistered cohabitation
  Limited foreign recognition (residency rights)
  No recognition of same-sex couples
  Restrictions on freedom of expression, not enforced
  Severe restrictions of association with arrests or detention
Same-sex sexual activity illegal
  Prison, not enforced
  Prison
  Death penalty on books, not enforced
  Enforced death penalty

Legislation by country or territory

Main article: LGBT rights by country or territory
This table:

North Asia

[edit]
LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Russia Russia Yes Yes Fully legal since 1993[23][24]
No No Illegal de facto in Chechnya, where homosexuals are abducted and sent to concentration camps based on their perceived sexual orientation. 		No No No No Constitutional ban since 2020[25] No No Yes Yes[26] No No No No Gender change has not been legal since 2023[27]

Central Asia

[edit]
LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Yes Yes Legal since 1998[24] No No No No No No Yes Yes Since 2022[28] No No Yes Yes[29]
Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Yes Yes Legal since 1998[24] No No No No Constitutional ban since 2016[30] No No Un­known No No Yes Yes Requires sex reassignment surgery[31][29]
Tajikistan Tajikistan Yes Yes Legal since 1998[24] No No No No No No Un­known No No Yes Yes Requires sex reassignment surgery[32][29]
Turkmenistan Turkmenistan No No Illegal for males since 1927
Penalty: up to 2 years imprisonment.[33] 		No No No No No No No No No No No No
Uzbekistan Uzbekistan No No Illegal for males since 1926
Penalty: up to 3 years imprisonment.[33] 		No No No No No No No No No No No No

West Asia

[edit]
LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Abkhazia Abkhazia
(Disputed territory) 		Yes Yes Legal No No No No No No Un­known No No Un­known
Akrotiri and Dhekelia Akrotiri and Dhekelia
(Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom) 		Yes Yes Legal since 2000
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		Yes Yes Civil partnerships since 2005 Yes Yes Legal since 2014 Un­known Yes Yes UK responsible for defence Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[34] Un­known
Armenia Armenia Yes Yes Legal since 2003
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		No No No No Constitutional ban since 2015[35][36] No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples. No No [37] No No No No
Azerbaijan Azerbaijan Yes Yes Legal since 2000[24] No No No No No No No No No No No No
Bahrain Bahrain Yes Yes Legal since 1976[24] No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery.[38]
Cyprus Cyprus Yes Yes Legal since 1998
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		Yes Yes Civil cohabitation since 2015[39] No No No No Yes Yes[40] Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination[41] Yes Yes Forbids some discrimination based on gender identity.[42]
No No Gender change is not legal.
Egypt Egypt Yes Yes/ No No Ambiguous. Male de jure legal, but de facto illegal since 2000
Penalty: Up to 17 years imprisonment with or without hard labour and with or without fines under broadly-written morality laws.[24][43] 		No No No No No No No No No No No No
Georgia (country) Georgia Yes Yes Legal since 2000
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		No No No No Constitutional ban since 2018 No No Un­known Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[44] Yes Yes Requires sterilization and sex reassignment surgery for change[45]
Iran Iran No No No Illegal
Penalty: 74 lashes for immature men and death penalty for mature men (although there are documented cases of minors executed because of their sexual orientation)[46]. For women, 100 lashes for women of mature sound mind and if consenting. Death penalty offense after fourth conviction.[24] 		No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Legal gender recognition legal if accompanied by a medical intervention[47]
Iraq Iraq No No Re-criminalized in 2024.[48] Penalty: Prison sentence between 10 and 15 years. No No No No No No No No No No No No
Israel Israel Yes Yes Legal since 1963 (de facto), 1988 (de jure)[49]
+ UN decl. sign.[24][50] 		Yes Yes Unregistered cohabitation since 1994. No No/Yes Yes Foreign same-sex marriages are recognized and recorded in the population registry No No Permitted by law since 2008,[51] but in practice not possible in nearly every case[52] Yes Yes Since 1993; Includes transgender people[53] Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[54][55][56] No No Almost full recognition of gender's ID without a surgery or medical intervention (Excluding changing gender and name in birth certificate) ;[57] equal employment opportunity law bars discrimination based on gender identity[58][59][60]
Jordan Jordan Yes Yes Legal[24] No No No No No No Un­known No No Yes Yes Allowed since 2014[61]
Kuwait Kuwait
  • No No Male illegal
  • Penalty: Fines or up to 6-year prison sentence.
  • Yes Yes Female always legal[24][62]
 No No No No No No No No No No No No
Lebanon Lebanon Yes Yes / No No Ambiguous. Illegal under Article 534 of the Penal Code. Some judges have ruled not to prosecute individuals based on the law, however, this has not been settled by the Supreme Court and thus homosexuality is still illegal.[63] However, a 2017 court ruling claims that it is legal, but the law against it is still in place.
Penalty: Up to 1 year imprisonment (unenforced). 		No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Legal gender change allowed, but sex reassignment surgery required[64]
Northern Cyprus Northern Cyprus
(Disputed territory) 		Yes Yes Legal since 2014[65][66][24] No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination[65][66] Yes Yes Legal, requires surgery for change[67]
Oman Oman No No Illegal
Penalty: Fines and prison sentence up to 3 years (only enforced when dealing with "public scandal").[24] 		No No No No No No No No No No No No Laws against forms of gender expression.
State of Palestine Palestine
 West Bank:
Yes Yes Legal[24]
Gaza:
No consensus on legal applicability of British 1936 Sexual offences provisions to homosexual conduct[68][69][70][71] 		West Bank:
No No
Gaza:
No No
 No No No No Un­known No No No No
Qatar Qatar No No No Illegal
Penalty: Fines, up to 7 years imprisonment[24] Death penalty for Muslims. 		No No No No No No No No No No No No
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia
[24] 		No No No No No No No No No No No No Laws against forms of gender expression.
South Ossetia South Ossetia
(Disputed territory) 		Yes Yes Legal No No No No No No Un­known No No Un­known
Syria Syria No No Illegal
Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment (Law de facto suspended)[75][24] 		No No No No No No No No No No No
Turkey Turkey Yes Yes Legal since 1858[24] No No No No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples. No No No No Yes Yes Requires sterilisation and sex reassignment surgery for change[76]
United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates
  • No No Illegal (unenforced): Prosecution only on complaint of husband or (male) legal guardian[77][78]
  • Penalty: Max – no upper limit, sentence at courts' discretion
  • Min. – 6 months' imprisonment[77][79]
 No No No No No No No No No No No No Sex reassignment surgery severely restricted to limited circumstances (mainly physical intersex traits), highly regulated by the state.[80][81] Laws used against forms of gender expression.[82]
Yemen Yemen No No No Illegal (codified in 1994)
Penalty: Unmarried men punished with 100 lashes of the whip or a maximum of one year of imprisonment, stoning for adultery is not enforced. Women punished up to three years of imprisonment.[24] 		No No No No No No No No No No No No

South Asia

[edit]
LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of same-sex unions Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Afghanistan Afghanistan No No No Illegal
Penalty: Death penalty[83] 		No No No No No No No No No No No No
Bangladesh Bangladesh No No Illegal since 1862
Penalty: 10 years to life imprisonment (Occasionally enforced).[24][84] 		No No No No No No No No No No A third gender option (hijra) besides male and female is available for a certain sect of third genders[85]
Bhutan Bhutan Yes Yes Legal since 2021[86] No No No No No No No No No No No No
British Indian Ocean Territory British Indian Ocean Territory
(Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom) 		Yes Yes Legal since 2001
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		Yes Yes Civil partnerships since 2005 Yes Yes Legal since 2014 Un­known Yes Yes UK responsible for defense Un­known Un­known
India India Yes Yes Legal since 2018[87] No No/Yes Yes symboic live-In relationships exist [88] No No No No No No Yes Yes/ No No Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity prohibited by court decision. No nationwide law.[89][90][91] Yes Yes A third gender option (hijra) besides male and female is available; transgender people have a constitutional right to change gender, only after medical/surgical intervention[92][91]
Maldives Maldives No No Illegal (codified in 2014)
Penalty: Up to 8 years imprisonment, house arrest, lashings and fines. (unenforced)[93] LGBTQ welcomed in tourist islands [94] 		No No No No No No No No No No No No
Nepal Nepal Yes Yes Legal since 2007
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		No No No No No No Yes Yes Since 2007[95] Yes Yes/No No Limited protection since 2015[96] No No Change to third gender "O" legal since 2007, unable to change to male or female[97]
Pakistan Pakistan No No Illegal since 1862
Penalty: 2 years to life sentence (Occasionally enforced).[24][98] 		No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Transphobia illegal

No No Homophobia/biphobia is not illegal

Yes Yes Right to change gender; transgender and intersex citizens have legal protections from all discrimination and harassment[99]
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka No No Illegal since 1885
Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment with fines.[24] (Ruled unenforcable by the Supreme Court) Legalization proposed 		No No No No No No No No No No Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender without surgery

East Asia

[edit]
LGBT rights in: Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of relationships Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
China China Yes Yes Legal since 1997[24] No No/Yes Yes "Legal guardianship" since 2017 No No No No Yes Yes can openly serve
No No open displays of affection [100][101] 		YesYes Court has in some cases protected LGBT workers from employment discrimination.[102]
No No protection codified in law 		Yes Yes

legal gender change possible since 2002.

Since 2022, legal gender change allowed with only partial sex reassignment surgery. Difficulty remains to change gender information on diplomas and degrees.[103][104]

Hong Kong Hong Kong Yes Yes Legal since 1991[24] No No/Yes Yes Same-sex marriages registered overseas for government benefits and taxation, and limited recognition of local cohabiting partners No No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[105] The central government of China is responsible for the defense of Hong Kong.[106] Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination (government discrimination only) Yes Yes Following a legal decision, may change gender marker after partial sex reassignment surgery.[107]
Japan Japan Yes Yes Legal since 1882
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		No No * Symbolic recognition in some jurisdictions. No No Proposed in 2023[108] No No Yes Yes The Japan Self-Defense Forces allow gay people to enlist.[109] No No nationwide protections
Yes Yes some cities ban some anti-gay discrimination[24] 		Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery
Macau Macau Yes Yes Legal since 1996 No No No No No No The central government of China is responsible for the defence of Macau. Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination Un­known
Mongolia Mongolia Yes Yes Legal since 1993
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		No No No No Constitutional ban since 1992 No No Un­known Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender but only after sex reassignment surgery
North Korea North Korea Yes Yes / No No Ambiguous, punishable through Articles 193 and 262 regarding obscenity and decency laws.[dubious – discuss]
Penalty: Unknown 		No No No No No No Yes Yes can serve with 10-year celibacy required for all soldiers.[110]
No No open displays of LGBT attitudes. 		No No No No
South Korea South Korea Yes Yes Legal
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		No No No No Proposed in 2023[111] No No No No Yes Yes/No No Protection from discrimination varies by jurisdiction in some areas, including Seoul Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender but usually requires sex reassignment surgery
Taiwan Taiwan Yes Yes Legal[112] [113] Legal since 2019[114][115][116] Yes Yes Stepchild adoption since 2019
Yes Yes Joint adoption legal since 2023[117] 		Yes Yes Yes Yes Constitutionally bans all anti-gay discrimination from government[118]; several laws banning anti-gay discrimination regarding education and employment.[119][120] Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery.[a]

Southeast Asia

[edit]
LGBT rights in Same-sex sexual activity Recognition of relationships Same-sex marriage Adoption by same-sex couples LGBT people allowed to serve openly in military? Anti-discrimination laws concerning sexual orientation Laws concerning gender identity/expression
Aceh Aceh (autonomous territory of Indonesia) No No Illegal
Penalty: 100 strokes of the cane or 8 years in prison[122] 		No No No No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples No No The central government of Indonesia is responsible for the defense of Aceh. Yes Yes Follows the law of the central Indonesian government. Yes Yes Follows the law of the central Indonesian government.
Brunei Brunei No No No Illegal since 1908
Penalty: Death by stoning (in abeyance), 1 year imprisonment and 100 lashes for men. Caning and 10 years prison for women.[123] 		No No No No No No No No No No Laws prohibit forms of gender expression.
Cambodia Cambodia Yes Yes Legal[24] No No/Yes Yes Partnerships recognized in certain cities No No Constitutional ban since 1993 No No Un­known No No No No[124]
East Timor East Timor Yes Yes Legal since 1975
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		No No No No Yes Yes LGBT individuals may adopt
but same-sex couples can not adopt 		Un­known Yes Yes Bans some anti gay discrimination, Hate crime protections since 2009.[125] Un­known
Indonesia Indonesia Yes Yes Legal (except in Aceh)[24][126] No No No No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples No No Not explicitly prohibited by Law (de jure), Illegal (de facto) Yes Yes Limited protection following legal process by the authorities.[127] Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery.
Laos Laos Yes Yes Legal[24] No No No No No No Un­known No No Un­known
Malaysia Malaysia No No Illegal since 1871
Penalty: fines, prison sentence (2–20 years), or whippings.[24][128] 		No No No No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples No No No No No No Generally impossible to change gender. However, a 2016 court ruling recognizes gender changes as fundamental constitutional rights[129] Forms of gender expression are criminalized.
Myanmar Myanmar No No Illegal since 1886
Penalty: Up to 20 years in prison (unenforced).[24][130] 		No No No No No No No No No No No No
Philippines Philippines Yes Yes Legal
+ UN decl. sign.[131][24][132][133] [b] 		No No (Pending) [131] No No (Pending) [134] No No LGBT individuals may adopt, but not same-sex couples[135][134] Yes Yes Since 2009 Yes Yes/No No Bans some anti-gay discrimination in certain cities and provinces,[136] including the City of Manila,[137]Cebu City,[138] Quezon City,[139] and Davao City;[140]
Nationwide anti-bullying law for basic education students.[141] 		No No Generally impossible to change legal gender. However in Cagandahan vs Philippines, allowed an intersex man to change his legal gender from female to male.
Singapore Singapore Yes Yes Legal since 2022 No No No No Ambiguous, a gay Singaporean man with a male partner in 2018 won an appeal in court to adopt a child that he fathered through a surrogate.[142] Yes Yes Yes Yes Protections against anti-gay discrimination, harassment and violence[143] Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery
Thailand Thailand Yes Yes Legal since 1956
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		No Yes Yes Pending for 2025[20][144][145] Yes Yes Pending for 2025[20] Yes Yes Since 2005 [146] Yes Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination No No[144][147]

Yes Yes Anti-discrimination protections for gender expression.[128]

Vietnam Vietnam Yes Yes Legal[24]
+ UN decl. sign.[24] 		No No No No No No LGBT individuals may adopt, not same-sex couples[148] Yes Yes Irrespective of one's sexual orientation Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination Yes Yes Gender changes recognized and officially practised since 2017[149][150]
  1. ^ "State Sponsored Homophobia 2016: A world survey of sexual orientation laws: criminalisation, protection and recognition" (PDF). International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. 17 May 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 September 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Here are the 10 countries where homosexuality may be punished by death". The Washington Post. 16 June 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  3. ^ "Anti-Gay Rhetoric in English-Language ISIS and Al Qaeda Magazines". Anti-Defamation League. 15 June 2016.
     • "ISIS's Persecution of Gay People". Counter Extremism Project. May 2017. Archived from the original on 23 October 2020.
  4. ^ Hadid, Diaa; Waheidi, Majd Al (2016-03-01). "Hamas Commander, Accused of Theft and Gay Sex, Is Killed by His Own". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
  5. ^ MV Media (20 April 2014). "Brunei: Sultan institutes death penalty for homosexuality". Muslim Village. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
  6. ^ "7 countries still put people to death for same-sex acts". ILGA. Archived from the original on 2009-10-29. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  7. ^ Onon, Urgunge (2001). The secret history of the Mongols : the life and times of Chinggis Khan. Richmond, Surrey: Curzon. ISBN 0-7007-1335-2. OCLC 50664183. And anyone found indulging in homosexual practices should be executed
  8. ^ "Genghis Khan's constitutional ban on homosexuality revealed". 29 August 2007.
  9. ^ Baillier, Neil B. E. (1875). "A digest of the Moohummudan law". pp. 1–3. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  10. ^ "How did the Mughals view homosexuality?". History Stack Exchange.
  11. ^ Khalid, Haroon (17 June 2016). "From Bulleh Shah and Shah Hussain to Amir Khusro, same-sex references abound in Islamic poetry". Scroll.in. Retrieved 7 September 2018.
  12. ^ "Sarmad Kashani Tomb in Jami Masjid, New Delhi, India - Archive - Diarna.org". archive.diarna.org.
  13. ^ V. N. Datta (2012-11-27), Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Sarman, Rupa Publications, ISBN 9788129126627, Walderman Hansen doubts whether sensual passions played any part in their love [sic]; puri doubts about their homosexual relationship
  14. ^ "Of Genizahs, Sufi Jewish Saints, and Forgotten Corners of History - UW Stroum Center for Jewish Studies". 1 March 2016.
  15. ^ Kugle, Scott A (1 Sep 2011). Sufis and Saints' Bodies: Mysticism, Corporeality, and Sacred Power in Islam. Univ of North Carolina Press. p. 309 Note 62-63. ISBN 9780807872772. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  16. ^ Cohen, Benjamin (2007-08-29). "Genghis Khan's constitutional ban on homosexuality revealed". PinkNews. Retrieved 2024-08-17.
  17. ^ "A brief history of queer China". myGwork. 2024-02-27. Retrieved 2024-08-17.
  18. ^ Lowe, Michelle; Khan, Roxanne; Thanzami, Vanlal; Barzy, Mahsa; Karmaliani, Rozina (August 2021). "Anti-gay "Honor" Abuse: A Multinational Attitudinal Study of Collectivist- Versus Individualist-Orientated Populations in Asia and England". Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 36 (15–16): 7866–7885. doi:10.1177/0886260519838493. ISSN 0886-2605. PMID 30924715. S2CID 85566154.
  19. ^ "Same-Sex Marriage Around the World". Pew Research Center. 9 June 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  20. ^ a b c Helen, Regan; Kocha, Olarn. "'Monumental step forward': Thailand to become first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage". CNN. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  21. ^ Glauert, Rik (31 May 2019). "Survey finds 45% believe same-sex marriage inevtiable in Asia-Pacific". Gay Star News. Archived from the original on 7 July 2019. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
  22. ^ "Legalisation of same-sex marriage will inevitably spread across Asia-Pacific, say nearly half of respondents in new Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) survey". Viet Nam News. 30 May 2019.
  23. ^ "Russian Gay History". community.middlebury.edu. Archived from the original on July 26, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar "State Sponsored Homophobia 2016: A world survey of sexual orientation laws: criminalisation, protection and recognition" (PDF). International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. 17 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  25. ^ "Russian parliament begins legalising ban on same-sex marriage". Reuters. 2020-07-15. Retrieved 2021-07-16.
  26. ^ ""Держите язык за зубами!" Правда о гомосексуалистах в российской армии". Rambler. 8 August 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  27. ^ "Putin Signs Gender Reassignment Ban Into Law". The Moscow Times. 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  28. ^ "В Минобороны ответили на вопрос о сексуальных меньшинствах в армии". Tengrinews. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2022.
  29. ^ a b c Masci, David (February 11, 2014). "Gay rights in Russia and the former Soviet republics". Pew Research Center. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
  30. ^ "Kyrgyz Voters Back Amendments On Same-Sex Marriage, Presidential Power". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. December 11, 2016. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  31. ^ Bennett, Dalton (July 5, 2010). "Kyrgyzstan's Transgender Advocates Call for Right to Change Gender in Passports". Eurasianet. Archived from the original on January 13, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  32. ^ Isamova, Lidia (May 12, 2014). "Transgender in Tajikistan". Institute for War and Peace Reporting. Archived from the original on December 29, 2016. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  33. ^ a b "The lives of LGBT people in Turkmenistan, the most closed-off country in Eastern Europe and Central Asia". TGEU. March 20, 2024. Archived from the original on April 4, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  34. ^ "Employment (Equality) Ordinance 2013" (PDF). Gazette No 1678. February 8, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 24, 2015. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  35. ^ "Referendum in Armenia brings constitutional reforms". ILGA-Europe. December 16, 2015. Archived from the original on January 12, 2016. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  36. ^ "Armenia Central Electoral Commission announces constitutional referendum final results". Newsfeed. December 13, 2015. Archived from the original on January 19, 2016. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  37. ^ "Armenia: Gays live with threats of violence, abuse". United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 30 March 2010. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
  38. ^ Bew, Geoffrey (9 March 2009). "Sex change woman faces cash crisis". Gulf Daily News. Archived from the original on 28 June 2008. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
  39. ^ "In-Cyprus is under construction". in-cyprus.com.
  40. ^ "Army legislation".
  41. ^ "ILGA-Europe" (PDF). ilga-europe.org.
  42. ^ "Cyprus: Penal code amended to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity". PinkNews. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  43. ^ "Egypt (Law)". ILGA. Archived from the original on 11 July 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  44. ^ "Law of Georgia on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination". matsne.gov.ge.
  45. ^ "Map shows how Europe forces trans people to be sterilized". Gay Star News.
  46. ^ "Report: 14-year-old gay boy hanged in Iran". mambaonline.com. 18 July 2015. Retrieved 19 October 2017.
  47. ^ "CBC News - Film - Iran's gay plan". Cbc.ca. 26 August 2008. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
  48. ^ "Iraq makes same-sex relations punishable by up to 15 years in jail". The Guardian. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  49. ^ Erez Levon (January 2008). National Discord: Language, Sexuality and the Politics of Belonging in Israel. pp. 45–46. ISBN 9780549582427. This amendment to the penal code entailed a de jure decriminalization of sodomy since, in 1963, the Israeli Supreme Court had already issued a de facto decriminalization, ruling that the anti-sodomy law (which dated back to the British Mandate of Palestine; Mandatory Criminal Ordinance of 1936) could not be prosecuted (Yosef Ben-Ami vs. The Attorney General of Israel, 224/63).
  50. ^ "LGBTQ Timeline" (PDF). ua.edu.
  51. ^ "In Complete Reversal, Israel Says It No Longer Opposes Same-sex Adoption". Haaretz. August 29, 2017.
  52. ^ "Israeli ministry drops opposition to adoption by same-sex couples". Jerusalem Post. August 30, 2017.
  53. ^ Sweijs, Tim. "LGBT Military Personnel: a Strategic Vision for Inclusion". hcss.nl. The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
  54. ^ "Law prohibiting discrimination in products, services, and entry to businesses" (in Hebrew). Israeli Economy Ministry. Retrieved 2013-05-09.
  55. ^ "El Al vs. Yonatan Danilovich" (in Hebrew). Supreme Court of Israel. Retrieved 2013-05-09.
  56. ^ Dorff, Rabbis Elliot N.; Nevins, Daniel S.; Reisner, Avram I. "Homosexuality, Human Dignity & Halakhah: A Combined Responsum for the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards" (PDF).
  57. ^ Hovel, Revital (2015-01-18). "Israel recognizes sex changes without operation". Haaretz. Supreme Court of Israel. Retrieved 2015-01-23.
  58. ^ Gross, Aeyal (December 17, 2013). "Human rights are part of the fight for gay rights". A Wider Bridge. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  59. ^ Weissberg, Hila (August 29, 2014). "Homophobia in the workplace? Fear of transgender people is even worse". Haaretz. Archived from the original on September 1, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  60. ^ Gross, Aeyal (September 16, 2013). "Israel should drop binary view of gender". Haaretz. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  61. ^ "محكمة التمييز توافق على تغيير جنس مواطن اردني من ذكر الى انثى - دنيا الوطن" [The Court of Cassation agrees to change the gender of a Jordanian citizen from male to female]. alwatanvoice.com (in Arabic). 2014-10-12.
  62. ^ "Kuwait Law". ilga.org.
  63. ^ Sycamore, Maximilian (4 February 2018). "Lebanese gay couple not prosecuted under 'order of nature' law". washingtonblade.com.
  64. ^ "Lebanese judge grants trans man right to change gender". washingtonblade.com. 16 January 2016. Retrieved 2018-10-18.
  65. ^ a b Erol, Ali (January 27, 2014). "Northern Cyprus Decriminalizes Homosexuality and Protects LGBTs Against Hate Speech". kaosgl. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  66. ^ a b Akpinar, Omer (October 20, 2014). "Kuzey Kıbrıs'ın "Eşcinsellik Suçu" Yasası Tarihe Karıştı!". KAOSGL (in Turkish). Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  67. ^ Kamenou, Nayia; Gavrielides, Costa; Ethemer, Enver; Bullici, Okan. "Aktivizm, Hukuk Ve İki Kesimdeki Değişim" (PDF). FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG – KIBRIS LGBTİ HAREKETİ.
  68. ^ "Palestine". Human Dignity Trust. Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  69. ^ "Everything you need to know about human rights in Palestine". Amnesty International. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  70. ^ Abusalim, Dorgham (March 13, 2018). "The Real Oppressors of Gaza's Gay Community: Hamas or Israel?". Institute of Palestine Studies. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  71. ^ Lucas Paoli Itaborahy; Jingshu Zhu (May 2014). State-Sponsored Homophobia (PDF) (Report). ILGA. pp. 16, 20, 55. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 17, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  72. ^ Bearak, Max; Cameron, Darla (June 16, 2016). "Analysis: Here are the 10 countries where homosexuality may be punished by death". Washington Post. Archived from the original on June 17, 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  73. ^ Research Directorate (11 August 2011). "Responses to Information Requests (research report on country conditions: Saudi Arabia)". Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Ottawa. SAU103739.FE. Retrieved 2023-04-07.
  74. ^ "Saudi Arabia: Legal Frameworks – Criminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual acts". ILGA World Database. International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. See "Penalties: Max. prison" listing.
  75. ^ "Syria - GlobalGayz News Archive". archive.globalgayz.com.
  76. ^ Can, İ.Özgür; Demiroğlu, Zehra; Köker, Murat; Ulaş, Halis; Salaçin, Serpil (28 January 2011). "Legal Aspects of Gender Reassignment Surgery in Turkey". Indian Journal of Gender Studies. 18. Sage Publishing: 77–88. doi:10.1177/097152151001800104. S2CID 143761091.
  77. ^ a b "UAE: Sweeping Legal 'Reforms' Deepen Repression". Human Rights Watch. 5 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  78. ^ "UAE: Greater Progress Needed on Women's Rights". Human Rights Watch. 4 March 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  79. ^ Staff reporter. "New UAE law: Reform eases restrictions on extra-marital relationships from January 2". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  80. ^ Moukhallati, Dana (26 September 2016). "New law does not legalise sex change". The National. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016.
  81. ^ "UAE rejects three transgender Emirati women's bid for gender status change". Al Arabiya. 23 March 2018. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  82. ^ Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (2022). "Section 6. Discrimination and Societal Abuses". 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: United Arab Emirates (Report). United States Department of State.
  83. ^ "LGBT People in Afghanistan After the Taliban Takeover". Human Rights Watch. 26 January 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  84. ^ "Bangladesh". Human Dignity Trust. Archived from the original on April 19, 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  85. ^ "Bangladesh government makes Hijra an official gender option - Wikinews, the free news source". Wikinews. November 11, 2013.
  86. ^ "Penal Code (Amendment) Act of Bhutan 2021" (PDF) (in Dzongkha). Parliament of Bhutan. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 23, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  87. ^ "India court legalises gay sex in landmark ruling". BBC News. 6 September 2018.
  88. ^ Prakash, Satya (29 August 2022). "Supreme Court expands definition of family; says it may take form of domestic, unmarried partnerships or queer relationships". Tribune India. Tribune Trust. The Tribune. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  89. ^ "India: Supreme Court Recognizes Rights Of The LGBT Community". mondaq.com. 18 September 2018.
  90. ^ Mishra, Abhishek (February 10, 2021). "Homosexuality not a ground to sack employee, rules Allahabad High Court". India Today.
  91. ^ a b "The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019". PRS Legislative Research.
  92. ^ Ghosh, Deepshikha (15 April 2014). "Transgenders are the 'third gender', rules Supreme Court". NDTV.
  93. ^ "Penal Code". law.upenn.edu. 2014. p. 75.
  94. ^ "The law vs. reality: gay travel to the Maldives". Out of Office. Archived from the original on September 25, 2020. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  95. ^ Haviland, Charles (July 1, 2008). "Nepalese army 'sacks lesbian'". BBC. Archived from the original on December 7, 2020. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  96. ^ {{Cite web|url=https://database.ilga.org/discrimination-employment-lgbti
  97. ^ Michael K. Lavers (19 September 2015). "New Nepal constitution includes LGBT-specific protections". Washington blade. Retrieved 23 July 2017.
  98. ^ "Pakistan". Human Dignity Trust. Archived from the original on April 9, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  99. ^ Iqbal, Nasir (July 15, 2009). "SC orders equal benefits for transvestites". Dawn. Archived from the original on July 18, 2009. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  100. ^ Waidelich, Brian (February 25, 2022). "Gay in the PLA: Chinese military views on homosexuals serving in the armed forces". The Jamestown Foundation. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  101. ^ Groffman, Nicholas (May 15, 2017). "Army life: more gay-friendly in China than United States of Britain?". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on September 24, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  102. ^ "Chinese trans woman wins sex discrimination lawsuit against employer in landmark victory". The China Project. July 6, 2020.
  103. ^ 王若翰 (2012-06-20). "变性人群体真实生态：唯学历证明无法修改性别" (Press release) (in Chinese (China)). 搜狐. Archived from the original on 2014-08-12. Retrieved 2022-02-09.
  104. ^ "跨性别者手术后：历时半年终于修改学历 就业遭歧视". 搜狐. 2019-12-23. Retrieved 2022-02-09.
  105. ^ "Cap. 290 Adoption Ordinance" (in Chinese). February 28, 2004. Archived from the original on January 17, 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  106. ^ "Foreign Affairs and National Defence" (PDF). Basic Law - the source of Hong Kong's Progress and Development. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  107. ^ "ID card sex entry policy revised". news.gov.hk. April 3, 2024. Retrieved September 21, 2024.
  108. ^ "Japan opposition party submits bill for same-sex marriage". Kyodo News. 6 March 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  109. ^ "LGBT Rights in Japan" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on November 10, 2013.
  110. ^ Hassig, Ralph; Oh, Kongdan (2015). The Hidden People of North Korea: Everyday Life in the Hermit Kingdom (Second ed.). Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. p. 126. ISBN 978-1442237193. The second major stress on soldiers is their highly restricted social life. During their initial ten years of service they are not permitted to marry, which means that they are supposed to postpone sexual activity until their late twenties.
  111. ^ Rashid, Raphael (2023-05-31). "South Korea's first ever same-sex marriage bill goes to parliament". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2023-06-04.
  112. ^ "Taiwan". glbtq.com.
  113. ^ "同性伴侶跨區註記7月3日開放". Up Media (in Chinese). 21 July 2017. Archived from the original on September 24, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  114. ^ "Taiwan's top court rules in favour of same-sex marriage". The Guardian. 24 May 2017. Archived from the original on May 24, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  115. ^ "Taiwan voters reject same-sex marriage in referendums". BBC News. 25 November 2018. Archived from the original on November 25, 2018. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  116. ^ "Taiwan approves same-sex marriage in first for Asia". Channel News Asia. 17 May 2019. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
  117. ^ Article 20, "Act for Implementation of J.Y. Interpretation No. 748". Laws & Regulations Database of The Republic of China (Taiwan). Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  118. ^ Article 7, "Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan)". Laws & Regulations Database of The Republic of China (Taiwan). Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  119. ^ "Act of Gender Equality in Employment". Laws & Regulations Database of The Republic of China (Taiwan). Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  120. ^ "Gender Equity Education Act". Laws & Regulations Database of The Republic of China (Taiwan). Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  121. ^ "109年度訴字第275號". 司法院裁判書系統. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  122. ^ "Qanun Aceh Nomor 6 Tahun 2014 Tentang Hukum Jinayat (Aceh Religious Bylaw on Crimes" (PDF). Aceh Provincial Website. 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 June 2017. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  123. ^ Robertson, Holly (April 3, 2019). "Brunei enacts Islamic laws to punish gay sex with stoning to death — here's what you need to know". ABC News.
  124. ^ Hoppe, Sascha (8 March 2023). "Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2023". Spartacus Gay Travel Blog. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  125. ^ Article 52 of the Penal Code, p. 3
  126. ^ "Satpol PP Palembang, Ungkap Sering Temukan Pasangan LGBT, Tapi Sulit Ditindak". Sripoku.com. February 6, 2020.
  127. ^ Rongiyati, Sulasi (November 2015). "Surat Edaran Kapolri Tentang Ujaran Kebencian: Menjaga Kebebasan Berpendapat Dan Harmonisasi Kemajemukan" (PDF). Info Singkat. 7 (21): 1–4. ISSN 2088-2351.
  128. ^ a b Mosbergen, Dominique (12 October 2015). "Being LGBT In Southeast Asia: Stories Of Abuse, Survival And Tremendous Courage". Huffington Post. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  129. ^ Chiam, Zhan; Duffy, Sandra; González Gil, Matilda (November 2016). "Trans Legal Mapping Report" (PDF). International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA). Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  130. ^ Thwel, Myat (December 14, 2022). "Myanmar regime hands LGBT activist another 22 years behind bars". Myanmar Now. Archived from the original on March 27, 2024. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
  131. ^ a b "Philippines: Congress Approves Anti-Discrimination Bill". Iglhrc.org. 24 January 2004. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
  132. ^ Myers, JoAnne (19 September 2013). Historical Dictionary of the Lesbian and Gay Liberation Movements. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 9780810874688 – via Google Books.
  133. ^ "Gay Philippines News & Reports 2003-06: Filipino city bans feminine men". GlobalGayz.com. 6 December 2004. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  134. ^ a b Border, Hana (11 August 2022). "Padilla wants same-sex unions institutionalized". GMA News. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
  135. ^ "Adoption in the Philippines". Intercountry Adoption. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  136. ^ "Pemberton guilty of homicide in Jennifer Laude case". Rappler. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  137. ^ Luna, Franco. "Manila signs ordinance prohibiting gender discrimination". Philstar.com. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  138. ^ "Passage of Cebu's anti-discrimination law lauded". Local News. Sun Star Publishing, Inc. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  139. ^ Gamil, Jaymee T. (5 October 2014). "QC council approves pro-LGBT ordinance". INQUIRER.net.
  140. ^ Mellejor, Ayan C. (December 14, 2012). "Davao council bans discrimination vs gays, minority, differently abled". inquirer.net.
  141. ^ Ong, Ghio; Flores, Helen (24 December 2013). "LGBT sector lauds provision of Anti-Bullying Act". The Philippine Star. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
  142. ^ Tan, Yvette (17 December 2018). "Gay Singaporean man wins landmark appeal to adopt surrogate child". BBC News. Archived from the original on 17 December 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
  143. ^ Elangovan, Navene (14 October 2019). "New legislation protects LGBTQ community from religiously motivated violence but law is 'same for all'". Today. Singapore. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
  144. ^ a b "Love is Love: Thailand's senate approves Marriage Equality". BK Magazine. 18 June 2024.
  145. ^ Browning, Bil. "Thailand to legalize same-sex marriage". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  146. ^ Valentin, Declercq. "LGBTQ Rights in Thailand - G.A.M. Legal Alliance". gam-legalalliance.com. GAM Legal Alliance. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  147. ^ "The right to title change". Bangkok Post. 2019-07-29. Retrieved 2019-12-23.
  148. ^ "Cặp đôi đồng tính có được nhận con nuôi không?". VnExpress. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  149. ^ "Sex-change officially legalized for the Vietnamese people". thanhnien.vn. 2015-11-24.
  150. ^ Thông, Báo Giao. "Ảnh: Cộng đồng người chuyển giới vỡ òa trong ngày lịch sử - Báo Giao thông".


Cite error: There are <ref group=lower-alpha> tags or {{efn}} templates on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=lower-alpha}} template or {{notelist}} template (see the help page).