Sixty-four countries still criminalize same-sex relations, and over a dozen criminalize transgender and gender diverse people. Places that actively target LGBTQ+ people often persecute other social groups as well.
The Death penalties for same sex activity are enforced in several Middle Eastern countries. Iran has executed THOUSANDS of gay people since 1979. Iran differs from most countries with anti-gay laws by authorizing “gender reassignment.” Gay Iranians can be forced to have reassignment surgeries, with up to 4,000 such required surgeries carried out annually. After surgery, people are often shunned by their families. Many support themselves with sex work.
Areas controlled by religious fundamentalist groups can be deadly for LGBTQ+ people. Saudi Arabia punishes gay sex in some cases with death by stoning. Somalia allows execution for gay sex. Al-Qaeda has killed gay men in Yemen. Since regaining power in Afghanistan in 2021, the Taliban has targeted LGBTQ+ people and has threatened to “exterminate them.”
