LGBT rights in Djibouti

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Djibouti face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Although Djibouti does not explicitly criminalise homosexuality, LGBT persons still face stigmatization among the broader population.

LGBTQ rights in Djibouti
Djibouti
Status	Legal[1]
Gender identity	No
Military	No
Discrimination protections	None[2]
Family rights
Recognition of relationships	No
Adoption	No

Legality of same-sex sexual activity

The legality of same-sex sexual activity is ambiguous in Djibouti. Although there is no law that mentions that same-sex sexual activity is legal or illegal, this doesn't prevent the authorities to prosecute the public display of same-sex sexual conduct under laws prohibiting attacks on “good morals".^[1]

Government opinion

In June 2011, the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution against human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity (IGLHRC 17 June 2011; Human Rights Brief 10 Nov. 2011). Sources indicate that Djibouti voted against the resolution (ibid.; IGLHRC 17 June 2011).^[3]

Living conditions

The U.S. Department of State's 2015 Human Rights Report found that "there were no known reports of societal violence or discrimination based on sexual orientation. Societal norms did not allow for the public discussion of homosexuality, and persons did not openly acknowledge having a homosexual orientation."^[1]

Summary table

Equal age of consent	(Always equal)
Anti-discrimination laws in hate speech and violence
Anti-discrimination laws in employment
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services
Same-sex marriage
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
Right to change legal gender
Access to IVF for lesbians
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples
MSMs allowed to donate blood

See also

• LGBTQ portal
• Transgender portal

• Human rights in Djibouti
• LGBT rights in Africa

References

1. "DJIBOUTI 2015 Human Rights Report" (PDF).
2. "DJIBOUTI" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 May 2011.
3. "Djibouti: Treatment of sexual minorities, including legislation, state protection, and support services (2009-March 2012)". Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. 2009–2012. Archived from the original on 6 December 2021.