Censorship of LGBT issues

Several regions make it illegal to discuss, promote, or teach LGBTQ+ topics.

DATE

Censorship of LGBT issues

Censorship of LGBTQ+ issues involves the suppression, restriction, or regulation of information, media, and public discourse related to LGBTQ+ rights and identities. This type of censorship can occur through governmental laws, social policies, or even corporate decisions and is typically justified by authorities as a measure to protect public morals or national values. However, such censorship often leads to significant human rights violations, stifling freedom of expression and the right to information.

In many countries, censorship manifests in the banning of books, films, websites, and articles that discuss LGBTQ+ themes or advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Educational content on LGBTQ+ topics can also be restricted under laws that proponents claim protect minors. For instance, "anti-propaganda" laws in some countries prohibit any positive mention of non-heteronormative relationships in materials accessible to children, severely limiting LGBTQ+ visibility and awareness.

The effects of this censorship are profound, contributing to the marginalization and stigmatization of LGBT individuals by perpetuating ignorance and misinformation. Activists and international human rights organizations continue to challenge these oppressive practices, pushing for a world where information on all identities is accessible, allowing for a more inclusive and educated society.

Summary

138
No censorship
138 regions (70%)
No censorship
51
Censorship exists
51 regions (26%)
Censorship exists
8
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
8 regions (4%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
Europe
84%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
42 regions (84%)
Censorship exists
8 regions (16%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
regions (0%)
Oceania
93%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
13 regions (93%)
Censorship exists
1 regions (7%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
regions (0%)
South America
92%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
11 regions (92%)
Censorship exists
1 regions (8%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
regions (0%)
North America
91%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
21 regions (91%)
Censorship exists
1 regions (4%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (4%)
Africa
60%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
32 regions (60%)
Censorship exists
19 regions (36%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
2 regions (4%)
Asia
41%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
18 regions (41%)
Censorship exists
21 regions (48%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
5 regions (11%)

Timeline of censorship of lgbt issues

Number of countries to prevent censorship over the past 61 years.

Recent Changes

Censorship of LGBT issues by Country

State-enforced

Censorship of LGBT issues is state-enforced in 23 regions.

  1. Europe (3)
  2. Bulgaria 2024
  3. Georgia 2024
  4. Turkey
  5. North America (1)
  6. El Salvador 2024
  7. Oceania (1)
  8. Samoa
  9. South America (1)
  10. Paraguay 2017

Fine as punishment

Censorship of LGBT issues is fine as punishment in 3 regions.

  1. Europe (2)
  2. Hungary 2021
  3. Lithuania 2009
  4. Africa (1)
  5. Burundi

Other punishment

Censorship of LGBT issues is other punishment in 4 regions.

  1. Asia (2)
  2. Brunei
  3. Iran 2013
  4. Europe (1)
  5. Vatican City
  6. Africa (1)
  7. Somalia 1964

Imprisonment as punishment

Censorship of LGBT issues is imprisonment as punishment in 21 regions.

  1. Europe (2)
  2. Belarus 2020
  3. Russia 2023

Varied, unclear, or unknown laws

Data on censorship of lgbt issues is unclear, not applicable, or missing in 8 regions.

  1. Asia (5)
  2. Kyrgyzstan Ambiguous
  3. Lebanon Ambiguous
  4. Palestine Varies by Region
  5. Turkmenistan Ambiguous
  6. Uzbekistan Ambiguous
  7. North America (1)
  8. United States Varies by Region

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