Around the world, people who are LGBTQ+, or who support the rights of those who are, face lengthy prison sentences, physical violence, and even the death penalty. Laws disguised as being “family friendly” criminalize and penalize same-sex relations and individuals who do not conform to expected gender identities.
64 Jurisdictions criminalize private, consensual same-sex sexual activity.
12 In 12 jurisdictions, a conviction can result in the death penalty.
14 14 countries criminalize gender identity and/or expression of transgender people.
In the face of this widespread discrimination, TrialWatch spotlights unfair trials of LGBTQ+ people and activists, and secures their release or acquittal through litigation and advocacy. We use the evidence we gather monitoring these trials to fight for the repeal of unfair laws.
TrialWatch has also seen firsthand how some governments use smokescreens to target LGBTQ+ individuals and their defenders. Authorities often employ the guise of neutral laws, but the intent is clear: to discriminate against, scapegoat, and harass members of the LGBTQ+ community.
In-depth trial monitoring and reporting can expose where these sham cases are driven by bias and ensure the release of LGBTQ+ individuals and those who defend their rights.
Countries that criminalize LGBTQ+ people
The Human Dignity Trust provides an overview of the countries across the world where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are criminalized.
