You’d think in 2026 the world would have reached some sort of consensus on what happens behind closed doors. Honestly, though? It’s a mess.
Laws regarding "sodomy"—a clunky, archaic term that basically covers consensual same-sex acts—are shifting faster than a TikTok trend. While some nations are finally binning these colonial-era relics, others are doubling down with terrifying intensity.
If you’re traveling or just curious, knowing where these lines are drawn is actually a matter of life and death. Seriously.
The Global Map of "No"
Right now, roughly 64 or 65 countries still have laws on the books that criminalize consensual same-sex activity. The number fluctuates because courts are constantly battling legislatures.
Africa and Asia are the primary hotspots for these laws. In West Africa, we’re seeing a weirdly aggressive "new wave" of criminalization. Take Burkina Faso, for example. In late 2025, they officially moved to criminalize same-sex acts, bucking the global trend toward decriminalization. It’s part of a broader political shift where some leaders are using "traditional values" as a shield against Western influence.
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Then you have the heavy hitters. In places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Yemen, the law doesn't just suggest jail time. It allows for the death penalty. Even if executions for these specific acts are rare, the threat hangs over the community like a lead weight.
Countries where sodomy can carry the death penalty:
- Uganda: Their "Anti-Homosexuality Act" is one of the harshest in the world.
- Iran: Consensual acts between men can lead to execution.
- Nigeria: Specifically in the northern states where Sharia law is practiced.
- Brunei: Stoning is technically on the books, though there’s currently a moratorium on the actual execution.
- Afghanistan: Under the current regime, the risk is extreme.
The "Buggery" Legacy in the Caribbean
It sounds like something out of a pirate movie, but "buggery" is the actual legal term used in several Caribbean nations. It’s a direct hangover from British colonial rule.
There is some good news here, though. Saint Lucia recently struck down its sodomy laws in 2025. It followed Dominica (2024) and Antigua and Barbuda.
But if you’re heading to Jamaica or Grenada, those laws are still technically active. You’ve got activists like Maurice Tomlinson fighting these battles in court for years. Usually, tourists aren't the targets, but the laws create a culture of "legalized" stigma that makes life incredibly difficult for locals.
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The Stealth Criminalizers
Sometimes it’s not a "sodomy" law by name.
In Indonesia, they didn't pass a "gay law" per se. Instead, they overhauled the entire Criminal Code in 2023 (which went into full effect recently) to criminalize sex outside of marriage. Since same-sex marriage isn't a thing there, it basically makes all gay sex illegal by default. It's a "backdoor" ban that’s arguably more effective and harder to fight.
Russia and Hungary use "propaganda" laws. You won't necessarily go to jail for the act itself, but if you talk about it, "promote" it, or even hold hands in public, you’re looking at massive fines or "extremist" charges.
Why This Matters Right Now
The "protection of children" is the most common excuse used by governments in 2026 to pass new restrictive laws. We’re seeing this in Ghana, where the "Family Values" bill has been a massive point of contention.
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Human rights experts, including those from ILGA World and Human Rights Watch, note that when these laws exist, they aren't just about the act. They are tools for blackmail. Police use them to extort money. Neighbors use them to settle grudges.
It creates a "shadow population" of people who can't report crimes because they’re technically criminals themselves.
What You Can Actually Do
If you’re a traveler, check the Human Dignity Trust map before you book. It’s updated in real-time.
Don't assume "resort areas" are a total safe haven. While places like the Maldives have a "don't ask, don't tell" vibe for tourists, the local population is still governed by strict penal codes that criminalize their existence.
Support organizations like All Out or Rainbow Railroad. They do the heavy lifting of getting people out of "death penalty" zones when things get too hot.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Audit your digital footprint: If traveling to a high-risk country (like Egypt or Qatar), realize that dating apps are often monitored by local authorities to entrap people.
- Verify the specific law: Some countries criminalize "male-on-male" but not "female-on-female" (like in parts of the Caribbean). It's weirdly inconsistent.
- Watch the "Propaganda" traps: In 2026, many countries (Kazakhstan just joined this list) are banning "LGBTQ+ content." This can include symbols like rainbows on your luggage.
Laws are basically a reflection of a country's current political soul. In some places, that soul is opening up; in others, it’s slamming the door shut. Stay informed, because the legal landscape is anything but permanent.