LGBTQ rights in the United Arab Emirates

LGBTQ rights in United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
StatusIllegal (rarely enforced): Prosecution only on complaint of husband or (male) legal guardian[1][2]
Penalty
  • Max: no upper limit, sentence at courts' discretion
  • Min.: 6 months' imprisonment[1][3]
Gender identityNo
MilitaryNo
Discrimination protectionsNone
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsNo recognition of same-sex relationships
AdoptionNo

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the United Arab Emirates face discrimination and legal challenges. Homosexuality is illegal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and under the federal criminal provisions, consensual same-sex sexual activity is punishable by imprisonment; extra-marital sexual activity between persons of different sexes is also illegal. In both cases, prosecution will only be brought if a husband or male guardian of one of the participants makes a criminal complaint. The penalty is a minimum of six months imprisonment; no maximum penalty is prescribed, and the court has full discretion to impose any sentence in accordance with the country's constitution.

While there have been no known arrests or prosecutions for same-sex sexual activity in the UAE since at least 2015 (as of 2022), with no upper limit to penalties codified, capital punishment is a theoretical outcome for (married) participants. Any penalty imposed is suspended if the complainant withdraws the complaint or "forgives" the transgressor.[1][4][5] Some have claimed the laws of homosexuality in the UAE are unclear, referring to the ambiguous English translation of the Arabic text of the country's penal code.[6]

Additionally, individuals have been prosecuted for offences related to sexual and gender identity under public decency laws, for acts such as kissing in public, or for cross-dressing.[4][7]

  1. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference sweep hrw was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "UAE: Greater Progress Needed on Women's Rights". Human Rights Watch. 4 March 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference kt jan 2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference hdt was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference 2021 US State was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  6. ^ "Why would someone like me defend the UAE's position on gay rights? Let me explain". Independent.co.uk. 24 July 2017.
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference ilga 2020 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).