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Death penalty for same-sex relations

What this indicator measures

Shows whether the law provides for the death penalty for sexual relations between people of the same sex. This is what the law says, not the number of sentences actually handed down.

How to read this?

“Death penalty provided for” means that the law allows a death sentence for these acts.

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194countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Death penalty for same-sex relations: 194 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: No death penalty provided for : 185 ; Death penalty provided for : 8 ; Varies by region : 1.

Why this indicator matters

The legal punishment of relations between people of the same sex is one of the most striking differences between legal systems. This indicator shows where the law provides for capital punishment for these acts.

What makes this indicator vary

These provisions are linked to the history of criminal law, the influence of religious texts and states' choices. Several countries have decriminalised these relations over time, while others have kept or toughened their laws.

Reading precautions

The indicator describes what the law says, not the number of sentences or executions actually carried out. Enforcement varies widely, and some regional or customary laws are hard to document.

Death penalty for same-sex relations

No death penalty provided for (185)

Death penalty provided for (8)

Varies by region (1)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Death penalty for same-sex relations" data come from?

It comes from Velasco, LGBTI National Policy Dataset (via Our World in Data). Site last updated: November 8, 2026. Each country is shown with the year of its most recent value.

What does “death penalty provided for” mean?

It means that the law allows a death sentence for sexual relations between people of the same sex. It does not mean that such sentences are regularly handed down.

What does “varies by region” mean?

The law differs between regions of the country. The death penalty is provided for in some parts of the territory, for example depending on the local jurisdiction, but not in all of them.

Source and update

Source : Velasco, LGBTI National Policy Dataset (via Our World in Data). Site last updated: November 8, 2026.

Indicators in the same category : LGBTQ+ rights