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

129
No censorship
129 regions (65%)
No censorship
62
Censorship exists
62 regions (31%)
Censorship exists
7
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
7 regions (4%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
Europe
80%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
40 regions (80%)
Censorship exists
9 regions (18%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (2%)
Oceania
93%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
13 regions (93%)
Censorship exists
1 regions (7%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
regions (0%)
South America
83%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
10 regions (83%)
Censorship exists
1 regions (8%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (8%)
North America
91%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
21 regions (91%)
Censorship exists
1 regions (4%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (4%)
Africa
52%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
28 regions (52%)
Censorship exists
25 regions (46%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
1 regions (2%)
Asia
39%
LEGAL EQUALITY
No censorship
17 regions (39%)
Censorship exists
25 regions (57%)
Varied, unclear, or unknown laws
2 regions (5%)

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 32 regions.

  1. Europe (5)
  2. Azerbaijan 2017
  3. Bulgaria 2024
  4. Georgia 2024
  5. Poland 2019
  6. Turkey 2015
  7. North America (1)
  8. El Salvador 2024
  9. Oceania (1)
  10. Samoa
  11. South America (1)
  12. Paraguay 2017

Fine as punishment

Censorship of LGBT issues is fine as punishment in 2 regions.

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

Other punishment

Censorship of LGBT issues is other punishment in 4 regions.

  1. Asia (2)
  2. Brunei
  3. Iran 1987
  4. Europe (1)
  5. Vatican City
  6. Africa (1)
  7. Somalia 1964

Imprisonment as punishment

Censorship of LGBT issues is imprisonment as punishment in 24 regions.

  1. Europe (2)
  2. Belarus 2020
  3. Russia 2023
  4. Africa (14)
  5. Algeria 1982
  6. Cameroon 2010
  7. Egypt 1937
  8. Eritrea
  9. Libya 1953
  10. Mali 2004
  11. Mauritania 1983
  12. Nigeria 2013
  13. Senegal 1965
  14. Togo 2015
  15. Tunisia 2004
  16. Uganda 2023
  17. Zambia 1930
  18. Zimbabwe 1967

Varied, unclear, or unknown laws

Data on censorship of lgbt issues is unclear, not applicable, or missing in 7 regions.

  1. Asia (2)
  2. Lebanon Ambiguous
  3. Palestine Varies by Region
  4. Europe (1)
  5. Moldova Varies by Region
  6. North America (1)
  7. United States Varies by Region
  8. Africa (1)
  9. Côte d’Ivoire Ambiguous
  10. South America (1)
  11. Brazil Varies by Region
  12. Antarctica (1)
  13. Antarctica N/A

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