Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights in Africa are limited in comparison to other areas of the world, with the BBC estimating that homosexuality

Homosexuality

Homosexuality is romantic or sexual attraction or behavior between members of the same sex or gender. As a sexual orientation, homosexuality refers to "an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual, affectional, or romantic attractions" primarily or exclusively to people of the same...

 is outlawed in 38 African countries. In 13 nations homosexuality is either legal or there are no laws pertaining to it.

In recent years, more first world countries are considering or implementing laws that limit or prohibit aid to countries that restrict the rights of homosexuals. In spite of this, many countries are continuing to breach international human rights laws and refusing to consider increasing LGBT rights , and in some cases drafting laws to increase sanctions against LGBT lifestyles..

In Mauritania

LGBT rights in Mauritania

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons in Mauritania face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Mauritania.-Law regarding same-sex sexual activity:...

, Sudan

LGBT rights in Sudan

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons in Sudan face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Sudan, and the topic of homosexuality is taboo....

, and northern Nigeria, homosexuality can be punishable by death. In Uganda

LGBT rights in Uganda

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender persons in Uganda have virtually no orientation-related protections at all. Both male and female homosexual activity is illegal...

, offenders can gain a maximum of a life imprisonment for homosexual acts. South Africa has the most liberal attitudes toward gay

Gay

Gay is a word that refers to a homosexual person, especially a homosexual male. For homosexual women the specific term is "lesbian"....

s and lesbian

Lesbian

Lesbian is a term most widely used in the English language to describe sexual and romantic desire between females. The word may be used as a noun, to refer to women who identify themselves or who are characterized by others as having the primary attribute of female homosexuality, or as an...

s, with a constitution which guarantees gay and lesbian rights, and legal same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriage is marriage between two persons of the same biological sex or social gender. Supporters of legal recognition for same-sex marriage typically refer to such recognition as marriage equality....

.

See also

• Human rights in Africa
  Human rights in Africa
  Human rights as a legal concept is a relatively recent notion in Africa. The United Nations System, international law and the African Union have certainly all contributed to the establishment of a human rights system in Africa, which has positively and indispensably influenced the advancement of...
  
  
• Coalition of African Lesbians
  Coalition of African Lesbians
  The Coalition of African Lesbians is a gay-rights pressure group in Africa. It is affiliated with the law faculty of the University of Pretoria....
  
  

External links

• African Veil — African LGBT site with news articles
• Africans and Arabs come out online, Reuters via Television New Zealand
• Behind the Mask, LGBT Magazine in Africa
• Coalition of African Lesbians
• Pink & Black magazine
• LGBT Stories from Afrol
• Morality of Homosexuality — Acceptance rate per country