LGBTQ rights in Burundi

LGBTQ rights in Burundi
Legal statusIllegal since 2009
Penalty3 months to 2 years imprisonment and fines
Gender identityNo
MilitaryNo
Discrimination protectionsNone
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsNo recognition of same-sex unions
RestrictionsSame-sex marriage banned constitutionally since 2005
AdoptionNo

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Burundi face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ citizens. While never criminalized before 2009, Burundi has since criminalized same-sex sexual activity by both men and women with a penalty up to two years in prison and a fine. LGBTQ persons are regularly prosecuted and persecuted by the government and additionally face stigmatisation among the broader population.