LGBT rights in Sri Lanka
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Sri Lanka face significant challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents.
LGBT rights in Sri Lanka | |
|---|---|
Sri Lanka | |
| Status | Illegal since 1885 (as British Ceylon) |
| Penalty |
|
| Gender identity | Legally permitted following medical vetting; surgical intervention not legally required |
| Military | No |
| Family rights | |
| Adoption | No |
Article 365 of the Sri Lankan Penal Code, which dates from the time of colonial British Ceylon, criminalizes sexual acts deemed "against the order of nature". This has been ruled unenforceable by the Supreme Court, but the court does not have the power to remove laws outright. A private members' bill submitted to parliament in August 2022 has been given the support of the ruling government. Both major parties from across the political spectrum have expressed support for homosexuality and transsexuality.
Transgender people can legally change gender following medical approval and surgical intervention is not required. In 2016 the Government of Sri Lanka launched Gender Recognition Certificates and provided clear guidelines to medical workers on how to positively deal with the transgender community.
There are no anti-discrimination laws, but the government has stated that discrimination based on sexuality and gender is implicitly banned under the existing constitution, and it has proposed to provide anti-discrimination laws as part of a wider constitutional overhaul currently under negotiation.