LGBTQ rights in Oman
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) people in Oman face significant social and legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents.[2] Homosexuality in the Sultanate of Oman is illegal. It is clearly stated so in §§ 33 and 223 of the penal code. The punishment for this crime is a prison sentence of up to three years. This law applies to both men and women. The code is clear: "The suspects of homosexual or lesbian" intercourse shall be prosecuted without a prior complaint, if the act results in a public scandal.[1]
_(orthographic_projection).svg)
LGBTQ rights in Oman | |
|---|---|
| |
| Legal status | Illegal: Islamic Sharia Law is applied.[1] Only enforced in cases of "public scandal". |
| Penalty | The punishment for this crime may include a custodial sentence of up to three years, in addition to financial penalties. |
| Gender identity | No |
| Military | No |
| Discrimination protections | None |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No recognition of same-sex unions. |
| Adoption | No |
Living conditions
In September 2013, it was announced that all Gulf Cooperative Countries had agreed to discuss a proposal to devise a test for homosexuality intended to single out gay foreigners and prevent them from entering any of the countries.[3][4] However, it has been suggested that concern for hosting 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and fears for controversy in a case that football fans would have been screened, made officials backtrack the plans and insist that it was a mere proposal.[5]
In 2018, four men who cross-dressed as women in Salalah were arrested and punished. They were imprisoned and fined maximum amounts under laws against "indecent" dress and behaviour.[5]
LGBTQ rights movement in Oman
Like in other Gulf countries, advocacy for LGBTQ rights in Oman is a criminal act; activists use social media with an alias to protect their identities with very rare exceptions.[citation needed]
Summary table
| Same-sex sexual activity legal |  (Up to 3 years to life imprisonment and fines, only enforced if public scandal is involved) |
| 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 | |
| Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the military | |
| Conversion therapy banned | |
| Right to change legal gender | Laws against men dressing as women and vice versa. |
| Access to IVF for lesbians | |
| Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples | |
| MSMs allowed to donate blood | |
