Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

AT A GLANCE

Same Sex Relations Legal? NO

Legal Gender Recognition Possible? NO

LGBTI Orgs Able to Register? NO

Actions Related to SOGI at the UN 2016: Opposed IE SOGI   IE SOGI refers to the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

Overview

Under Libya’s Criminal Code all sexual activity outside of a lawful marriage is prohibited. Same-sex relations are explicitly prohibited by the same law. Currently the law is obsolete, as since the Arab Spring and the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, Libya has experienced tremendous political upheaval, lawlessness, and violence. LGBTIQ Libyans have been particularly vulnerable as rival governments, militia groups, and religious extremist groups vie for power throughout the county. In this environment, LGBTIQ people have been subject to arbitrary arrest and execution. Due to the political unrest, there has been little LGBTIQ activism. LGBTIQ identities are stigmatized in Libya and are often framed as “un-Islamic” and “immoral,” leading to social rejection, discrimination, and violence by private individuals and organized groups. For this reason, LGBTIQ Libyans generally keep their identities concealed and only connect with each other through the internet.