FATTEH REFERENCE
Africa LGBTQ+ rights map
An evolving guide to laws affecting consensual same-sex intimacy across Africa.
Laws, enforcement and lived risk are not the same thing. This map offers a legal starting point, alongside Fatteh’s reporting on the people and communities affected.
FATTEH MAGAZINE ● AFRICA RIGHTS MAP
The law across Africa
Select a country to see the prison term, death penalty provisions and important limits of the law on consensual same-sex intimacy.
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Select a country on the map or from the list.
Legal data reviewed 4 October 2026. This map covers criminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual activity, not all LGBTQ+ rights or personal safety. Penalties shown are legal provisions, not average sentences. Sources: Human Dignity Trust and ILGA World.
Country legal profiles and source links appear when you select a country. Reference data: Human Dignity Trust and ILGA World.
How to read this guide
Criminalisation refers to laws regulating private, consensual same-sex sexual activity. It does not describe every form of discrimination, police practice, censorship or threat that LGBTQ+ people may face.
Fatteh will add country notes and reporting links as we develop this resource. We do not publish the locations of LGBTQ+ people, groups or services where doing so could create risk.
Keeping it current
We will review this guide every quarter and after significant legal developments. Each update will show the review date and cite its source. Fatteh’s reporting provides additional context and is not legal advice.
Last reviewed: 4 October 2026