1862 in LGBT Rights

In 1862, there were 2 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 8 changes made and 1 in the following year. A total of 20 legal changes were made in the 1860s.

  • January 1
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (imprisonment as punishment).
    The Indian Penal Code was enacted by the Imperial Legislative Council, the legislature during British direct rule in India. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalized same-sex sexual acts and carried a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (up to life in prison as punishment).
    Homosexuality is illegal in Pakistan under Article 377 in Pakistan’s Penal Code of 1860. The punishment for violation of Article 377 is two years to life imprisonment, fines, or both. The Zina provisions of the Hudood Ordinance (1979), criminalize all sexual conduct outside of marriage with the death penalty. However, there are no known cases of these provisions being used against gay people.