Is homosexuality legal in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Yes. Same-sex sexual activity is legal.

The legal history of homosexuality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is shaped by the country’s colonial past. This region was colonised by Belgium. In Belgium, same-sex sexual acts were decriminalised in 1794. When the Democratic Republic of the Congo became an independent state in 1960, it maintained the legal framework that it had inherited from Belgium.

However, there are public decency provisions within the country’s legal code that are sometimes used to prosecute LGBTQ people.

The age-of-consent is equal, regardless of sexuality.

Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

No, there are no protections. Sexuality is not a characteristic that is recognised as being protected from discrimination.

Is there Marriage Equality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

No. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships. Since 2005, the country’s constitution has explicitly restricted marriage to opposite-sex couples.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

A socially conservative society, homosexuality is generally seen as a taboo subject within the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Although technically legal, LGBTQ people generally feel required to conceal their sexuality.

What’s the history of homosexuality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

The Zande people controlled much of this part of the world before the colonial era.

It’s well-documented that Zande men engaged in same-sex sexual activity, and also had same-sex marriage ceremonies.