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LGBTQ rights in Niger

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

LGBTQ rights in Niger
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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Niger face significant challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Although same-sex sexual activity is legal,[1] the Nigerien LGBTQ community faces stigmatization among the broader population.

Quick Facts Legal status, Gender identity ...
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Law regarding same-sex sexual activity

Same-sex sexual activity is currently legal in Niger, but its criminalisation is pending. Also, the age of consent is not equal for same-sex and opposite-sex sexual activity.[1] The age of consent is set at 13 years for heterosexuals and 21 years for homosexuals.

Recognition of same-sex relationships

Niger does not legally recognize same-sex unions.[1]

Discrimination protections

There are no broad legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.[3] However, some limited protections based on sexual orientation are in place:

  • Article 4 of Law 2015-36 on the Illicit Trafficking of Migrants prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.[4]
  • Article 95 of Law 2022-59 on the Protection of Personal Data, states: "The act, except in the cases provided for in Article 42 of this law, of collecting and processing data that reveals racial, ethnic, or regional origin, parentage, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, sexual life or sexual orientation, genetic data, or, more generally, data relating to the health of the person concerned shall be punishable by imprisonment of three months to five years and a fine of 5,000,000 to 50,000,000 francs."[5]

Living conditions

The U.S. Department of State's 2010 Human Rights Report found that "there were no known organizations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender persons and no reports of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. However, gay persons experienced societal discrimination."[3]

Summary table

Same-sex sexual activity legal Not explicitly ilegal
Equal age of consent No
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 No
Right to change legal gender No
Access to IVF for lesbians No
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples No
MSMs allowed to donate blood No
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See also

References

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