LGBT rights in Madagascar

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LGBT rights in Madagascar Madagascar
Madagascar
Same-sex sexual activity legal? Legal among persons at least 21 years old
Gender identity/expression No
Military service Unknown
Discrimination protections None
Family rights
Recognition of
relationships
No
Adoption No

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Madagascar face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents.

Law regarding same-sex sexual activity

Same-sex sexual activity among persons at least 21 years of age is legal in Madagascar. The Penal Code provides for a prison sentence of two to five years and a fine of 2 to 10 million ariary (US$900 to US$4,500) for acts that are "indecent or against nature with an individual of the same sex under the age of 21".[1]

Discrimination protections

The law in Madagascar does not outlaw discrimination with regard to sexual orientation or gender identity.[citation needed]

Adoption of children

Only married, heterosexual couples may adopt children in Madagascar.[2]

Summary conditions

The U.S. Department of State's 2011 Human Rights Report found that "[t]here was general societal discrimination against the LGBT community" and that "[s]exual orientation and gender identity were not widely discussed in the country, with public attitudes ranging from tacit acceptance to violent rejection, particularly of transgender sex workers". The report also found that, "LGBT sex workers were frequently targets of aggression, including verbal abuse, stone throwing, and even murder. In recent years, awareness of 'gay pride' increased through positive media exposure, but general attitudes have not changed."[1]

Summary table

Same-sex sexual activity legal Yes (Always legal)
Equal age of consent No[3]
Anti-discrimination laws in hate speech and violence No
Anti-discrimination laws in employment No
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services No
Same-sex marriage No
Recognition of same-sex couples No
Step-child adoption by same-sex couples No
Joint adoption by same-sex couples No
Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the military Emblem-question.svg
Right to change legal gender Emblem-question.svg
Access to IVF for lesbians No
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples No
MSMs allowed to donate blood No

See also

References

External links