The new code, commonly known as the "Zanardelli Code" after the then Minister of Justice, contained no mention of "acts against nature" and consequently decriminalized same-sex relations throughout the country. The situation was not even changed 40 years later by fascism with the promulgation of the Rocco Code, which remains the code in force, on October 19, 1930.

legal since 1890

No laws against homosexual relationships anywhere in Italy's Penal Code

Before 1971, homosexuality was illegal (because this region is part of Finland). Punishments used were prison sentences.

Before 1971, homosexuality was illegal and punished by prison

Not in this region.

Tribal area.

Imprisonment of up to 7 years

Homosexuality was illegal under the 1886 Penal Code.

As homosexuality is illegal, same sex union is by default illegal

Inherited from Portuguese colonial era (amended in 1954). Articles 70 and 71(4°) provide for the imposition of security measures on people who habitually practice acts against nature. The security measures may include: a bond of good behavior, being put on probation for a certain period, or even internment in a workhouse or agricultural colony (from 6 months to 3 years).

Penalty unknown

None exist.

None exist in the current criminal code.

Date reflects creation of Burma

Date reflects creation of Burma

Date reflects British colonization of Burma (Myanmar). Homosexual relations are illegal in Myanmar and discrimination occurs regularly.

Date reflects British colonization of Burma (Myanmar). In 2014 a same-sex couple featured in the media after holding an unofficial wedding ceremony. Homosexual relations remain illegal.

Section 11 of The Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 built on previous legislation. It was famously used against Oscar Wilde and Alan Turing.

Homosexual activity is not legal in Sri Lanka.

Homosexuality is criminalized in Sri Lanka under Section 365 of the 1883 Penal Code inherited from British colonial rule. "Voluntary carnal intercourse against the order of nature" by both men and women is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Human Rights Watch and Equal Ground have found evidence of these laws continuing to be enforced by police as of 2020. Sri Lanka is an independent nation, as such, India's 2018 Supreme Court decision to decriminalize same-sex relationships and make a similar law unenforceable does not apply.

The Roman-Dutch law of the Cape Colony, including the sodomy offence, was applied to Basutoland (as Lesotho was then known) by a proclamation of the British High Commissioner in 1884 (exact date unknown).

Anal sodomy was decriminalized in 1881 when the provision was dropped from Japan's Penal Code. It was eliminated by supervision of Gustave Boissonade, a French legal scholar who served as an advisor to develop the legal system in Japan.