LGBT rights in São Tomé and Príncipe

From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia

LGBT rights in São Tomé and Príncipe
StatusLegal since 2012
Gender identityNo
MilitaryNo
Discrimination protectionsNone
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsNo
AdoptionNo

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in São Tomé and Príncipe face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female forms of same-sex sexual activity are legal in São Tomé and Príncipe, however LGBT persons face stigmatization among the broader population.

São Tomé and Príncipe was one of the few African states that signed a "joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity" at the United Nations, condemning violence and discrimination against LGBT people.

Laws regarding same-sex sexual activity[edit]

Under the Penal Code of São Tomé and Príncipe that took effect in November 2012, same-sex sexual activity is legal. The age of consent is 16 years regardless of sexual orientation or gender.[1][2]

Recognition of same-sex relationships[edit]

São Tomé and Príncipe does not recognize same-sex marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships. [3]

Discrimination protections[edit]

There is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Public opinion[edit]

A 2016 poll found that 46% of Sāo Toméans would like or not mind having an LGBT neighbor.[4]

Summary table[edit]

Same-sex sexual activity legal Yes (Since 2012)
Equal age of consent Yes (Since 2012)
Anti-discrimination laws in employment only No
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services No
Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (Incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) No
Same-sex marriages 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
Right to change legal gender
Access to IVF for lesbians No
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples No
MSMs allowed to donate blood No

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Código Penal: Aprovado pela Lei 6/2012" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
  2. ^ "Novo Código Penal já entrou em vigor". www.telanon.info. 8 November 2012. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  3. ^ "LGBT Rights in Sao Tome and Principe".
  4. ^ "What are the best and worst countries to be gay in Africa?". Gay Star News. 1 March 2016. Archived from the original on 7 December 2018. Retrieved 3 July 2019.