LGBTQ rights in Benin
LGBTQ rights in Benin | |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal, equal age of consent since 2018. |
| Gender identity | No |
| Military | No |
| Discrimination protections | Limited protection based on sexual orientation (hate speech, personal data) |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No |
| Adoption | No |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Benin face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Although same-sex sexual acts for both men and women are legal in Benin, homosexuals continue to face widespread persecution and are rarely open about their sexuality. They are also considered by many as deviants, and homosexuality is often called a disease brought by white people to the country. LGBTQ persons additionally face stigmatization among the broader population. Since 2018, there is limited protection against Incitement to hatred and violence based on sexual orientation.