Democratic Republic of Congo

Although same-sex relations are not criminalized in the Democratic Republic of Congo, there are also no laws explicitly protecting LGBTIQ people. The age of consent is higher for same-sex relations than for different-sex relations. Anti-LGBTIQ sentiment is pervasive in the Democratic Republic of Congo. LGBTIQ people face social stigmatization, harassment, and discrimination at the hands of government officials and private citizens. There have been sporadic reports of police harassment and blackmail of LGBTIQ people. Due to these human rights violations, LGBTIQ people often remain in the closet. In this strongly conservative and religious country, LGBTIQ issues remain taboo which makes it difficult for LGBTIQ people to have their voices heard or human rights restored. Organizations working on LGBTIQ issues are recognized and able to register especially through their work on HIV concerns. However, there still exists a lack of social protection for LGBTIQ persons, activists and organizations, and widespread discrimination and harassment against LGBTIQ people.