LGBTQ rights in Bahrain
LGBTQ rights in Bahrain | |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Decriminalized since 1976 |
| Gender identity | Limited |
| Military | No |
| Discrimination protections | No |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No |
| Adoption | No |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people living in Bahrain face legal challenges and discrimination not experienced by non-LGBT residents. While same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in 1976, laws against indecency remain and are used to target gender and sexual minorities. Offences under these provisions allow for sentences of imprisonment, fines and deportation.
Individuals are able to change their legal gender in a limited range of circumstances that are assessed as being in accordance with Islamic understandings of sex and gender as transmitted by Sunni fiqh. The state offers no protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. LGBTQ individuals face entrenched social stigma. Discussion of homosexuality has been permitted in Bahrain since the 1990s.