LGBT rights in Cape Verde
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Cape Verde are afforded some legal protections, and Cape Verde is considered a gay tolerant country. Homosexual activity has been legal in Cape Verde since 2004. Additionally, since 2008, employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has been banned, making Cape Verde one of the few African countries to have such protections for LGBT people. Nevertheless, Cape Verde does not recognize same-sex unions or marriages, meaning that same-sex couples may still face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Households headed by same-sex couples are also not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples.
LGBT rights in Cape Verde | |
|---|---|
| Status | Legal since 2004, with an equal age consent |
| Gender identity | No |
| Military | No |
| Discrimination protections | Yes, employment protections on the basis of sexual orientation since 2008 |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No |
| Adoption | No |
Cape Verde, along with other former Portuguese colonies, is one of the most LGBT-friendly African nations. The country's first LGBT event was held in June 2013 in the city of Mindelo. Due to its close relationship to Portugal and Brazil, Cape Verde has occasionally been described as the most tolerant nation in Africa with regards to LGBT people, though there are still reports of societal discrimination.