Pride Month: ILGA World releases new data and maps on laws affecting LGBTI people globally
Summary:
Geneva, 31 May 2025 – Ahead of Pride Month in June, ILGA World has released new data and maps highlighting how laws affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) people globally.
Data from the ILGA World Database indicates that LGBTI people continue to face challenges in accessing their basic rights. The last few months, in particular, have seen escalating threats to their lives and dignity, although progress has continued to happen even amid this severe crisis.
How laws affect LGBTI people worldwide: key data and maps
- 64 UN member States criminalise consensual same-sex sexual acts.
- The death penalty is the legally prescribed penalty for consensual same-sex sexual acts in 7 UN member States. In 5 more there is no full legal certainty.
- At least 61 UN member States have laws, rules, and regulations that limit freedom of expression related to sexual and gender diversity issues.
- At least 61 UN member States present legal barriers to freedom of association when registering and operating organisations openly advocating the rights of LGBTI people.
- 17 UN member States have nationwide bans on ‘conversion therapies’. In addition, 7 have indirect regulations, and 6 have subnational bans only.
- Marriage equality is a reality in 37 UN member States and Taiwan.
- 9 UN member States ban non-vital medical interventions on intersex children; 2 have enacted restrictions at the sub-national level.
- 18 UN member States allow legal gender recognition based on self-determination at the national level.
Additional data and maps (including on protection against discrimination, hate crime law, prohibition to incitement to hatred, and adoption by same-sex couples) are available on the ILGA World Database.
Key developments in the last 12 months
Since June 2024, Dominica and Namibia have decriminalised consensual same-sex sexual acts. Marriage equality became a reality in Thailand and Liechtenstein. The last-standing “LGBT-free zone” in Poland finally fell. Over a million people joined a citizens’ initiative to ban ‘conversion practices’ across the European Union.
Alongside these positive developments, LGBTI communities – and especially women, trans and intersex folks among them – have been facing an unprecedented wave of attacks.
Organisations worldwide have been forced to close operations due to the aid freeze and funding cuts. Mali criminalised consensual same-sex sexual acts, and Trinidad and Tobago reversed its decriminalisation ruling. In the United Kingdom, the Supreme Court has restricted the definition of “woman” for the Equality Act. Georgia introduced a sweeping ban on all forms of LGBTI representation and assembly. Hungary has amended its Constitution to ban LGBTI gatherings, claim that “a human is either male or female”, and remove protections on gender identity.
Across the United States, bills and executive orders contribute to making life impossible for trans and intersex people under the false pretence of “defending women.” In Vanuatu, the Constitution could soon be amended to only recognise two sexes at birth. In Peru, the National Congress passed a law that establishes a prison sentence for ‘anyone who exposes youth to content on sexual diversity’. In Argentina, the government has amended the National Gender Identity Law by an executive order whose legality is now being challenged, prohibiting access to gender affirming care for persons under the age of 18.
Significant reductions in funding for LGBTI movements and their data
As global funding for LGBTI rights shifts—with major foundations cutting support and government funding reductions since 2024—vital LGBTI data and community-led research are at serious risk. ILGA World’s global LGBTI Database — a key resource documenting laws, rights, and lived realities worldwide — urgently needs increased individual and philanthropic support. Without new funding, this and other essential LGBTI data sources may disappear, erasing decades of progress and silencing marginalized communities.
Resources like the ILGA World Database and Monitor are indispensable tools for journalists and media outlets, providing verified, up-to-date data to inform accurate, responsible coverage. We call on major donors, allies, and media to raise awareness and help secure the future of LGBTI knowledge through direct contributions to the database and beyond.
What they are saying
Julia Ehrt, Executive Director at ILGA World: “Though Pride is celebrated and recognised globally also during other months of the year, June and Pride Month are important moments to bring visibility to the progress and challenges faced by LGBTI communities globally.
“Over the last 12 months, multiple storms have hit LGBTI movements: development aid freezes and funding cuts, far-right and authoritarian movements and governments targeting our communities for political gains, and constant efforts to weaken multilateral institutions. The achievements of the past decade on gender equality, bodily autonomy, the rights of LGBTI people and government accountability are under threat. They must and will be defended.”
Julia Ehrt, Executive Director at ILGA World
“Globally, but especially across the United States, many companies have been under attack for supporting Pride and LGBTI movements at large, fearing backlash against long-established diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. These attacks have caused a sudden retreat by corporate partners and financial support, with severe consequences for civil society organisations at all levels. Corporations, government donors, and private philanthropy must step up if they are truly committed to help supporting a more equal and just world.”
J. Andrew Baker, Manager – Fundraising and MEL at ILGA World
