LGBTQ rights in Oman

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Oman face significant social and legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents.^[2] Homosexuality in the Sultanate of Oman is illegal according to §§, 33 and 223 of the penal code and can be punished with a prison sentence of up to 3 years. This law is applicable to both men and women. In Oman, it is said that cases only get to court if "public scandal" is involved.^[1]

LGBTQ rights in Oman
Oman
Legal status	Illegal: Islamic Sharia Law is applied.[1] Only enforced in cases of "public scandal".
Penalty	Up to 3 years to life imprisonment and fines
Gender identity	No
Military	No
Discrimination protections	None
Family rights
Recognition of relationships	No recognition of same-sex unions.
Adoption	No

Living conditions

In September 2013, it was announced that all Gulf Cooperative Countries had agreed to discuss a proposal to devise a test for homosexuality intended to single out gay foreigners and prevent them from entering any of the countries.^[3][4] However, it has been suggested that concern for hosting 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and fears for controversy in a case that football fans would have been screened, made officials backtrack the plans and insist that it was a mere proposal.^[5]

LGBTQ rights movement in Oman

Like in other Gulf countries, advocacy for LGBTQ rights in Oman is a criminal act; activists use social media with an alias to protect their identities with very rare exceptions.^{[citation needed]}

Summary table

Same-sex sexual activity legal	(Up to 3 years to life imprisonment and fines, only enforced if public scandal is involved)
Equal age of consent
Anti-discrimination laws in employment only
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services
Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech)
Same-sex marriages
Recognition of same-sex couples
Step-child adoption by same-sex couples
Joint adoption by same-sex couples
Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the military
Conversion therapy banned
Right to change legal gender	Laws against men dressing as women and vice versa.
Access to IVF for lesbians
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples
MSMs allowed to donate blood

See also

• Human rights in Oman
• LGBTQ rights in Asia
• LGBTQ rights in the Middle East