Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) face discrimination and legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents.[4] Same-sex sexual activity is legal for both males and females in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, although LGBT individuals may still be targeted for prosecution under public indecency provisions on occasion.
Homosexuality is generally considered immoral, a view espoused and promoted by church groups influential within the nation. The Congolese LGBT community experiences discrimination and hostility, and is commonly stigmatised by the wider community and officials. Same-sex couples, and households headed by same-sex couples, are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples.
Laws regarding same-sex sexual activity
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Age of consent is equal, regardless of sex.[1] Homosexual acts have never been explicitly outlawed in the country's history. Before the foundation of the state in 1960, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was ruled by the European colonial power Belgium. In Belgium, homosexual acts were decriminalized in 1794.
The U.S. Department of State's 2021 Human Rights Report found that individuals who publicly engaged in same-sex consensual activities, such as, for example, kissing, were sometimes prosecuted under public indecency provisions "which were rarely applied to opposite-sex couples."[5]
Recognition of same-sex relationships
There is no legal recognition of same-sex unions. There has been a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, since 2006. The first paragraph of article 40, in the current Congolese constitution, states that "Every individual has the right to marry the person of their choice, of the opposite sex".[6]
Discrimination protections
There is no anti-discrimination law protecting sexual orientation.[2]
Transgender rights
Trans women in the DRC are believed by many to be "sorcerers" and responsible for much of the country's ills, leading to significant violence and discrimination against them.[7]
Living conditions
The U.S. Department of State's 2021 Human Rights Report found that:[5]
While no law specifically prohibits consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults, individuals engaging in public displays of consensual same-sex sexual conduct, such as kissing, were sometimes subject to prosecution under public indecency provisions, which were rarely applied to opposite-sex couples. A local NGO reported authorities rarely took steps to investigate, prosecute, or punish officials who committed abuses against LGBTQI+ persons, whether in the security forces or elsewhere in the government.
Identifying as LGBTQI+ remained a cultural taboo. LGBTQI+ individuals were subjected to harassment, stigmatization, and violence, including "corrective" rape. Some religious leaders, radio broadcasts, and political organizations played a key role in supporting discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals.
— Human Rights Practices Report: DRC (2021), US Department of State
In comparison, the State Department's report for 2010 said:[2] "Homosexuality remained a cultural taboo, and while harassment by state security forces continued, there were no reports during the year of police harassing gays and lesbians or perpetrating or condoning violence against them."
Public opinion
In 2014, 98% of Congolese said they were against same-sex marriage while only 2% supported it. [8]
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