Country Overview
Cabo Verde
At a glance
Same-sex Relations for Men Legal Throughout the Country?
Same-sex Relations for Women Legal Throughout the Country?
Legal Gender Recognition Possible?
LGBTI Orgs Able to Register?
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In the Republic of Cabo Verde, or Cape Verde, same-sex sexual relations are not criminalized, and people have employment protections based on their sexual orientation. In 2013, Cabo Verde held its first public Pride parade, making it the second African country ever to host a Pride event officially. In public opinion polls, 82 percent of respondents have said they would accept having a “homosexual” neighbor. LGBTIQ organizations are also able to register freely in the country. However, discrimination still occurs, and there is no legal framework recognizing same-sex unions. Cabo Verde committed in its 2024 Universal Periodic Review to improve the legislative framework to protect LGBTIQ people from discrimination. Aside from South Africa, Cabo Verde is the only other African member of the UN LGBTI Core Group.
*Outright research indicates that the bodily autonomy of intersex people is not respected and protected in this country.
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