Worsening Global Legislative Trend
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk issued a statement around the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, noting that more than one in three countries worldwide continue to criminalize consensual same-sex conduct, with some retaining the death penalty for such acts.
Türk cited recent legislative developments as evidence of a worsening trend: Burkina Faso criminalized consensual same-sex relations, Senegal increased prison terms for same-sex conduct from five to ten years, and Ghana is considering similar legislation. Belarus and Kazakhstan were also noted for laws restricting the dissemination of information about LGBTIQ+ issues.
Targeted Actions in Multiple Countries
Türk named Cameroon, Hungary, Indonesia, Morocco, Tunisia, and Türkiye among countries where LGBTIQ+ individuals and activists have been arrested or targeted. He linked these actions to divisive rhetoric from political figures, which he said is fueling online abuse directed particularly at transgender people.
Citing research by NGO Outright International covering nearly 90 elections held worldwide in 2024, Türk noted that approximately 85 percent of countries surveyed contained anti-LGBTIQ+ messaging during electoral campaigns.
Areas of Positive Progress
Türk acknowledged several recent developments he described as encouraging: St. Lucia and Botswana have each decriminalized same-sex conduct, and Nepal elected a transgender woman to parliament for the first time in the country's history.
He also welcomed a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union on April 21 this year, which found that Hungary's 2021 law prohibiting content for minors on sexual orientation and gender identity violated fundamental rights.
UN Calls for Concrete Action
Türk called on states to repeal discriminatory laws, investigate violations, and hold perpetrators accountable. He also urged technology companies to take meaningful steps to address online hate and harassment targeting LGBTIQ+ communities.
North American Editorial Office: Robin