Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people face widespread prosecution in Uzbekistan. Same-sex sexual activity between men is illegal in Uzbekistan. The punishment is up to 3 years in prison. Uzbekistan is one of just 2 post-Soviet states in which male homosexual activity remains criminalized, along with Turkmenistan.
Serious societal discrimination and abuse is directed towards LGBTQ persons, which includes mob violence, harassment, entrapment for the purpose of blackmail, and threats and use of violence. Despite the incidence of violence and intimidation, LGBTQ persons generally do not report these crimes to authorities for fear of further victimisation at their hands. There are reports of extortion by police, intimidation, arbitrary detention, assaults and other mistreatment of victims who have sought police assistance. Human rights violations by police also include torture, and severe beatings in detention. Vigilante attacks and mob violence, and other hate crimes, including murders, are targeted at LGBTQ individuals.
The Uzbek government has dismissed the need for action to protect sexual minorities, with one official declaring that even if same-sex sexual activities were decriminalised, LGBTQ persons could not be kept safe. Community attitudes that fuel such anti-LGBTQ activity stem from the Uzbek "mentality", with their "religion, culture, and traditions" making "gay men and women" unacceptable in the country, according to the spokesperson.
Legality of same-sex sexual activity Laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity between men were enacted in the Uzbek SSR in 1926. It is criminalised in present-day Uzbekistan by Article 120 of Uzbek's criminal code (1994):
Morality laws Article 130 covers the distribution of pornographic materials. This provision and was strengthened in 2012:
LGBT propaganda draft law In November 2024, Alisher Qodirov the leader of the Milliy Tiklanish party announced that he was drafting a law banning discussions of LGBTQ people. Qodirov claimed the law was inspired by statements made by Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump about "LGBT propaganda" in schools.
Constitution of Uzbekistan In April 2023, the Constitution of Uzbekistan deliberately leaves out "sexual orientation" - despite all other categories explicitly being included - such as gender, race, religion and nationality.
Summary table
Same-sex sexual activity legal Equal age of consent 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, lesbians and bisexuals allowed to serve openly in the military Right to change legal gender Since 19982023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Uzbekistan Access to IVF for lesbians Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples MSM allowed to donate blood There are no known restrictions on men who have sex with men donating blood Conversion therapy banned
See also
Human rights in Uzbekistan LGBTQ rights in Asia
References