When it comes to challenging parts of the world for LGBTQ people to live, Azerbaijan remains problematic.

Let’s take a look at the situation.

Is it legal to be gay in Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan removed the criminalisation of gay sex from its penal code in 2000. This removed the prohibition of sodomy which it had inherited from the period when Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union.

The removal of the country’s anti-gay provisions was a requirement for Azerbaijan to join the Council of Europe.

The age of consent has been equalised to 16 for both same-sex and heterosexual sexual encounters.

Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Azerbaijan?

No. There is no protection from discrimination for LGBTQ people.

Is there Marriage Equality in Azerbaijan?

No. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Azerbaijan?

Although being gay is no longer illegal in Azerbaijan, life for LGBTQ people remains incredibly problematic.

Azerbaijan is a socially conservative country.Homophobia is systemic and LGBTQ are likely to suffer abuse – this forces most LGBTQ people to conceal their sexuality.