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Protection of sexual orientation and gender identity in the constitution

What this indicator measures

Shows whether the country's constitution explicitly protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or both.

How to read this?

“Not mentioned” means the constitution mentions neither sexual orientation nor gender identity.

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194countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Protection of sexual orientation and gender identity in the constitution: 194 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Sexual orientation and gender identity mentioned : 6 ; Sexual orientation only : 8 ; Not mentioned : 180.

Why this indicator matters

When the constitution mentions sexual orientation or gender identity, it provides a protective foundation at the highest level of law. Comparing it shows which countries have given it this rank.

What makes this indicator vary

A constitutional mention depends on when the text was drafted or revised, political debates and social mobilization. Constitutions are hard to amend, which explains why changes are rare.

Reading precautions

The indicator looks only at the constitutional text. A country may protect these people through ordinary laws or court decisions without a constitutional mention, and a mention does not ensure enforcement.

Protection of sexual orientation and gender identity in the constitution

Sexual orientation and gender identity mentioned (6)

Sexual orientation only (8)

Not mentioned (180)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Protection of sexual orientation and gender identity in the constitution" 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 this indicator check?

It checks whether the constitution explicitly protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or both, through a mention in its text.

Does the absence of a mention mean an absence of protection?

No. Other texts, such as ordinary laws or court decisions, may protect these people. The indicator only measures what is written in the constitution.

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