LGBT rights in Asia
Laws governing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are complex in Asia, and acceptance of LGBT persons is generally low. Same-sex sexual activity is outlawed in at least twenty Asian countries. In Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen homosexual activity is punishable by death. In addition, LGBT people also face extrajudicial executions from non-state actors such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. While egalitarian relationships have become more frequent in recent years, they remain rare.
LGBT rights in Asia | |
|---|---|
| Status | Legal, with an equal age of consent, in 29 out of 50 states Legal, with an equal age of consent, in 7 territories |
| Gender identity | Legal in 23 out of 50 states Legal in 1 territory |
| Military | Allowed in 9 out of 50 states Allowed in 2 territories |
| Discrimination protections | Protected in 14 out of 50 states Protected in 4 territories |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | Recognized in 5 out of 50 states Recognized in 4 territories |
| Restrictions | Same-sex marriage constitutionally banned in 5 out of 50 states |
| Adoption | Legal in 2 out of 50 states |
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Historical discrimination towards homosexuality in much of the region include the ban on homosexual acts enforced by Genghis Khan banned in the Mongol Empire, which made male homosexuality punishable by death. The Fatawa-e-Alamgiri of the Mughal Empire (descended from the Mongol Empire) mandated a common set of punishments for homosexuality, which could include 50 lashes for a slave, 100 for a free infidel, or death by stoning for a Muslim, whereas the Yuan Dynasty (descended from the Mongol Empire) implemented a crackdown on homosexuality in China that was continued by the Ming Dynasty.
Many Asian countries have collectivist cultures, wherein aggression is generally accepted by society if it is used to protect the family honor. Homosexuality is generally considered to be dishonorable, so homophobic aggression in the name of protecting family honor is common.
The only Asian jurisdiction which nationally recognises same-sex marriage is Taiwan. In 2019, a survey by The Economist found 45% of respondents in the Asia-Pacific believed that same-sex marriage is inevitable in the region, while 31% of respondents disagreed. Furthermore, three-quarters of those surveyed reported a more open climate for LGBT rights compared to three years ago. Of those reporting an improving climate for LGBT people, 38% cited a change in policies or laws. Meanwhile, 36% said coverage of LGBT issues in mainstream media was a major factor. The top reasons cited for diminishing openness was anti-LGBT advocacy by religious institutions.