LGBT rights in São Tomé and Príncipe

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in São Tomé and Príncipe face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is legal in São Tomé and Príncipe, however LGBT persons face stigmatization among the broader population.

LGBT rights in São Tomé and Príncipe
StatusLegal since 2012
Gender identityNo
MilitaryNo
Discrimination protectionsNone
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsNo
AdoptionNo

São Tomé and Príncipe was one of the few African states that signed a "joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity" at the United Nations, condemning violence and discrimination against LGBT people.

Laws regarding same-sex sexual activity

Under the Penal Code of São Tomé and Príncipe that took effect in November 2012, same-sex sexual activity is legal. The age of consent is 16 years regardless of sexual orientation or gender.[1][2]

Recognition of same-sex relationships

São Tomé and Príncipe does not recognize same-sex marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships.

Discrimination protections

There is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Public opinion

A 2016 poll found that 46% of Sāo Toméans would like or not mind having an LGBT neighbor.[3]

Summary table
Same-sex sexual activity legal (Since 2012)
Equal age of consent (Since 2012)
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
Right to change legal gender
Access to IVF for lesbians
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples
MSMs allowed to donate blood

See also

References
  1. "Código Penal: Aprovado pela Lei 6/2012" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
  2. "telanon.info - This website is for sale! - telanon Resources and Information". www.telanon.info. Cite uses generic title (help)
  3. "What are the best and worst countries to be gay in Africa?". Gay Star News. 1 March 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
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