Pride Month: ILGA World Releases New Global Data and Maps on Laws Affecting LGBTI People

ILGA World’s Database reveals that LGBTI communities continue to face significant challenges in accessing basic rights. Recent months have seen an alarming rise in threats to their lives and dignity, even as progress continues in various regions amid a global human rights crisis.

• Key Global Insights on LGBTI Laws
  64 UN member states still criminalize consensual same-sex sexual acts.
• 7 UN states legally prescribe the death penalty for such acts, with 5 more lacking full legal safeguards against it.
• At least 61 UN countries have laws or regulations restricting freedom of expression related to LGBTI issues.
• Similarly, 61 states impose legal barriers on the registration and operation of LGBTI advocacy organizations.
• 17 countries have enacted national bans on so-called "conversion therapy", while 7 more regulate it indirectly and 6 have subnational bans.
• Marriage equality is recognized in 37 UN member states and in Taiwan.
• 9 countries ban unnecessary medical interventions on intersex children; 2 others have regional-level restrictions.
• 18 states allow legal gender recognition based on self-determination at the national level.

Additional data and maps, including those related to anti-discrimination protections, hate crime legislation, bans on hate speech, and same-sex adoption, are available in ILGA World’s Database.

Major Developments in the Past Year

Since June 2024:

• Dominica and Namibia decriminalized consensual same-sex acts.
• Thailand and Liechtenstein legalized marriage equality.
• The last remaining "LGBT-free zone" in Poland was abolished.
• Over one million people signed a citizens’ initiative to ban “conversion practices” across the European Union.

However, these steps forward have been shadowed by widespread setbacks. LGBTI communities—especially trans, intersex, and gender-diverse women—have faced escalating attacks:

• Civil society organizations have been forced to shut down amid aid freezes and budget cuts.
• Mali re-criminalized same-sex acts, and Trinidad and Tobago reversed its decriminalization ruling.
• In the UK, the Supreme Court narrowed the legal definition of “woman” under the Equality Act.
• Georgia banned all LGBTI representation and gatherings.
• Hungary amended its constitution to outlaw LGBTI events and gender diversity.

In the United States, a wave of state bills and executive orders have targeted trans and intersex individuals under the guise of "protecting women." Vanuatu is considering a constitutional change to recognize only two sexes at birth. Peru passed a law criminalizing the exposure of youth to sexual diversity content. In Argentina, a new executive decree has altered the Gender Identity Law to deny gender-affirming care to minors—a move now facing legal challenges.

Funding Cuts Threaten LGBTI Data and Research

As global funding for LGBTI rights dwindles—driven by foundation cuts and shrinking government support—vital community-led data and research are at risk. ILGA World's global LGBTI database, a critical resource documenting laws and lived experiences, urgently needs increased philanthropic and individual support. Without new funding, essential data sources could vanish, erasing decades of progress and silencing marginalized communities.

Resources like ILGA World’s Database and Monitor are indispensable for journalists and media professionals, offering verified, up-to-date information for responsible reporting. ILGA World calls on donors, allies, and media partners to raise awareness and help secure the future of LGBTI knowledge through direct support.

What They’re Saying

Julia Ehrt, Executive Director of ILGA World:
“While Pride is celebrated year-round, June remains a crucial moment to reflect on both the achievements and challenges facing LGBTI communities worldwide.
Over the past year, our movements have weathered severe storms: development aid cuts, far-right and authoritarian attacks, and persistent efforts to undermine multilateral institutions. Hard-won progress on gender equality, bodily autonomy, and LGBTI rights is under threat—and must be defended.”

J. Andrew Baker, ILGA World’s Fundraising and MEA Manager:
“Across the globe—and particularly in the United States—corporations have faced backlash for supporting Pride and long-standing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies. As a result, many corporate partners have withdrawn their support, with devastating consequences for civil society organizations.
Governments, private donors, and businesses must step up if they are truly committed to a more just and equal world.”