LGBT rights in Qatar
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Qatar experience legal persecution. Sexual acts between males are illegal in Qatar, with punishment for both Muslims and non-Muslims of up to three years in prison. For Muslims duly convicted in the sharia courts, a judicial sentence of capital punishment for homosexuality is a possibility, though it has never been imposed. Abuse such as beatings and torture, and forced "conversion therapy" have also been used by police and other authorities. There is no explicit corresponding prohibition of consensual sex between women, although sharia disallows sexual activity outside of marriage.
LGBT rights in Qatar | |
|---|---|
Qatar | |
| Status | Illegal since 1938:: 30 Sharia (Islamic law) may be applied |
| Penalty | Up to 7 years in prison (de jure: death penalty, unenforced) |
| Gender identity | No |
| Military | No |
| Discrimination protections | No protections |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No recognition of same-sex relationships |
| Adoption | No |
Prevailing cultural mores in Qatar view homosexuality and cross-dressing negatively. The Qatari government does not recognise same-sex marriage or civil partnerships, nor does it allow people in Qatar to campaign for LGBT rights.
In November 2008 British performer George Michael performed at a successful concert in Qatar, making him the first openly gay musician to perform in Qatar.
On 4 February 2024, a dual British-Mexican citizen, was arrested in Qatar after falling victim to a police-led Grindr fake profile. According to his brother, he had been denied the right to a lawyer and had been forced to sign documents in Arabic without a translator to assist him. He also stated that the man had also been prevented access to antiretroviral medicines he needed to be able to live with HIV.