Is it legal to be gay?

Same-sex sexual activity has been illegal in the country now known as Zambia since 1911.

Zambia is another former colony of the British Empire that is still struggling with colonial-era laws.

The country’s penal code specifically lists homosexual sex as a felony with penalties of imprisonment up to 14 years.

Is there anti-discrimination legislation in place?

There are no specific legislative anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people in Zambia.

A broad reading of the country’s 1996 constitution (which uses some of the language of the UN Charter on Human Rights) could be grounds for suggesting that the protections from discrimination include protection for LGBTQ people.

Is there marriage equality?

No equality.Political leaders regularly make strong pronouncements against any recognition of same-sex relationships.

What’s it like for LGBTQ who live there?

Extremely dangerous.

Zambia is a socially conservative country, heavily influenced by evangelical Christians. There are widespread views that homosexuality is immoral and a form of insanity.

There are regular reports of harassment of LGBTQ people, with most LGBTQ people forced to remain closeted.

There is also a government ban on any person or organisation advocating for LGBTQ rights.

While HIV/AIDS is a major health issue for Zambia, there are no health campaigns focused on men who have sex with men.