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Same-sex sexual relations

What this indicator measures

Shows whether consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex are allowed by national law or punished by criminal law. In a few countries, the rule differs by region.

How to read this?

“Legal” means that national law does not punish these relations; “Criminalized” means that they are punished by law.

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194countries with data
2025data year(s)

In brief

Same-sex sexual relations: 194 countries and territories covered. Breakdown: Legal : 130 ; Criminalized : 61 ; Varies by region : 3.

Why this indicator matters

Criminal law may or may not punish relations between consenting adults of the same sex. Comparing this point shows where national law allows them and where it penalizes them.

What makes this indicator vary

Current laws often stem from colonial history, religious traditions or old criminal codes. Many countries have changed their texts over time, in one direction or the other.

Reading precautions

The indicator describes national law. Some countries have different rules depending on the region, which are flagged separately. Written law can differ from practice: a law may exist without being enforced, or the reverse.

Same-sex sexual relations

Legal (130)

Criminalized (61)

Varies by region (3)

Frequently asked questions

Where does the "Same-sex sexual 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 criminalized mean?

It means that the country's criminal law punishes consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex.

What does varies by region mean?

In a few countries, the rule is not the same across the whole territory. Some regions allow these relations and others punish 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