Gender identity/expression No Discrimination protections None Adoption No | Military service Unknown Recognition of
relationships No | |
 | ||
Same-sex sexual activity legal? Legal among persons at least 21 years old | ||
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Madagascar face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents.
Contents
Law regarding same-sex sexual activity
Same-sex sexual activity among persons at least 21 years of age is legal in Madagascar. The Penal Code provides for a prison sentence of two to five years and a fine of 2 to 10 million ariary (US$900 to US$4,500) for acts that are "indecent or against nature with an individual of the same sex under the age of 21".
Discrimination protections
The law in Madagascar does not outlaw discrimination with regard to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Adoption of children
Only married, heterosexual couples may adopt children in Madagascar.
Summary conditions
The U.S. Department of State's 2011 Human Rights Report found that "[t]here was general societal discrimination against the LGBT community" and that "[s]exual orientation and gender identity were not widely discussed in the country, with public attitudes ranging from tacit acceptance to violent rejection, particularly of transgender sex workers". The report also found that, "LGBT sex workers were frequently targets of aggression, including verbal abuse, stone throwing, and even murder. In recent years, awareness of 'gay pride' increased through positive media exposure, but general attitudes have not changed."