The Global Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights: Progress and Challenges

The global battle for LGBTQ+ rights has developed into a mixed-situation model as it continues to show improvements and declines in 2026. While countries such as Thailand & Liechtenstein have allowed Same-Sex couples the ability to marry, countries such as Saint Lucia, where Same-Sex couples were decriminalised in 2025, there has been an estimated increase in difficulty for millions of individuals because of increased financial restrictions/limitations & the multiple implementations of “repressive laws.”

By the beginning of 2026, there are still approximately 64 countries around the world that identify and criminalise consensual Same-Sex activity, and there are an estimated 12 that criminalise it by way of capital punishment based on a strict definition of Religious Laws. Continual efforts of Global Advocacy persist; however, Political Backlash, Worldwide Reduction of Funding for International Causes and Democratic Losses are significant threats to the hard-won victories of the past.

Recent Progress Legal Advancement

Marriage Equality was achieved in Thailand in 2025, and the Courts of many Asian countries continue their advancement on recognition for Same-Sex relationships, including Jap, an continuing towards Same-Sex Recognition. This has resulted in a decriminalisation of homosexuality in the Caribbean beginning with Saint Lucia in 2025, following similar moves towards decriminalisation in Dominica and Namibia.

Europe has maintained its resilience with the introduction of Civil Unions in Latvia and the removal of the restrictions regarding Assisted Reproductive Services for LGBTQ+ women in Montenegro.

This progress represents the continued passion for change and judicial actio, demonstrating that even in the most difficult of circumstances, progress can be made.

Ongoing struggles and difficulties

Around the world, and specifically in Africa and the Middle East, the repressive environment has continued to grow. Countries such as Burkina Faso in 2025 criminalised homosexuality, while Ghana and other African countries continue to tighten their laws. Similarly, in many parts of North Africa and Asia, same-sex relationships remain illegal. In addition, the death penalty for same-sex relationships is still enforced in countries such as Iran and Afghanistan, and other parts of the world are still at risk of violence, such as Uganda.

Funding and Policy Cuts

Policies enacted by the Trump Administration in the U.S. cut funding to address global LGBTQ+ and HIV-related issues and created disruptions to services that impact many areas around the world. In addition, 27 states in the U.S. enacted bans against minors accessing gender-affirming care, while federal action further restricted access and protections. Europe, including the UK, also saw their rankings within the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map decline as a result of recent decisions by the courts regarding the rights of transgender people, while Hungary maintains ongoing restrictions against transgender individuals.

If you would like to learn more about regional struggles, please see our understanding of transgender rights challenges in different regions.

Global LGBTQ+ Rights Snapshot

Aspect	Progress Example	Challenge Example	Countries Affected (Approx.)
Same-Sex Marriage	Legalised in Thailand (2025)	Banned orunrecognisedd	38 legal; most others banned
Decriminalization	Saint Lucia (2025)	New criminalisation in Burkina Faso	64 criminalise homosexuality
Death Penalty Risk	Rare enforcement	Possible/enforceable	12 countries
Gender-Affirming Care	Advances in some courts	Bans for minors in 27 US states	Varies widely
Funding/International Support	Local activism resilience	Major US cuts impacting global aid	Worldwide disruption

Summary

Progress has been made on global issues related to LGBTQ+ rights; however, the 2026 Global Landscape highlights the fragility of these advances due to rising levels of criminalisation, recent judicial and legislative victories, lack of funding and anti-LGBTQ policies. Continued advocacy, educational outreach and financial support to disadvantaged groups are all essential for the international community to work together to address the backlash towards the LGBTQ+ community and to continue to promote and protect equal rights for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What recent advances towards global LGBTQ+ rights can be identified? 

The most visible progress has been legalised gay marriage in Thailand, decriminalisation of sodomy in Saint Lucia (2025), and advancements in the courts in Asia and Europe.

How many countries still have laws against consensual same-sex sexual activities as of 2026?

Approximately 64 countries retain laws against consensual same-sex sexual activities. There are 12 countries with the death penalty under their legal definition for same-sex sexual activities.

What are the main difficulties facing LGBTQ+ rights around the world? 

The most significant issues facing LGBTQ+ rights are a lack of adequate funding, new restrictive laws in Africa against LGBTQ people, new laws restricting transgender people’s rights in the US and Europe, and ongoing acts of violence and discrimination against the community.

What factors contribute to the deterioration of LGBTQ+ rights within some nations? 

Political conservatism, religious interpretations, and reductions in international assistance, as illustrated by changes in US aid policy and new laws in Hungary or Ghana, have led to increased resistance and push-back.

Where does the death penalty exist for the crime of homosexuality? 

The death penalty exists or could exist within legal systems in countries such as Iran and Afghanistan, and could be enacted in the cases of Uganda, Saudi Arabia, and northern Nigeria.