LGBTQ rights in the Comoros
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in Comoros face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. LGBTQ persons are regularly prosecuted by the government and additionally face stigmatization among the broader population.
LGBTQ rights in Comoros | |
|---|---|
| |
| Legal status | Illegal[1] |
| Penalty | 2 years imprisonment, and a fine |
| Gender identity | No |
| Military | No |
| Discrimination protections | No |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No recognition of same-sex unions |
| Adoption | No |
Law regarding same-sexual activity
Both male and female same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Comoros. Article 300 of the new 2020 Penal Code establishes that "Any act of a sexual nature contrary to morality or unnatural shall be punished with a sentence of six months to two years and a fine of 100,000 to 300,000 francs."[2]
Previously, the 1982 Penal Code established that such acts were punished with up to five years imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 to 1,000,000 francs.[1][3][4]
Recognition of same-sex relationships
There is no recognition of legal rights for same-sex couples.[5] The Family Code (French: Code de la Famille) establishes that marriage is the union of a man and a woman.[6]
The family considered in this code is the social structure composed of a man and a woman united by marriage with or without children.[6]
Discrimination protections
There is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.[5] The Labor Code (2012) does not provide protections for LGBTQ people.[7]
Living conditions
The U.S. Department of State's 2010 Human Rights Report found that "persons engaging in homosexual activity did not publicly discuss their sexual orientation due to societal pressure. There are no lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender organizations in the country."[8]
Summary table
| Same-sex sexual activity legal |  (Penalty: 2 years imprisonment and/or fine) |
| Equal age of consent | |
| Anti-discrimination laws in employment only | |
| Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services | |
| Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) | |
| Same-sex marriages | |
| Recognition of same-sex couples | |
| Step-child adoption by same-sex couples | |
| Joint adoption by same-sex couples | |
| LGBTQ people allowed to serve openly in the military | |
| Right to change legal gender | |
| Access to IVF for lesbians | |
| Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples | |
| MSMs allowed to donate blood | |
