LGBT rights in Mali

LGBT flagmap of Māli.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Mali may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. According to the 2007 Pew Global Attitudes Project, 98%[1] of Malian adults do not believe that homosexuality is acceptable by society.[2] This was one of the highest rate of non-acceptance in the 45 countries surveyed.[2] Same-sex sexual activity is not a crime in Mali.[3] But according to a 2013 report on Human Rights in Mali "the law prohibits association 'for an immoral purpose'".[4] About 90% of Mali's population is Muslim.[5]

Mali has long been attacked by Islamic rebels and militants.[6] This has put gays at risk. In 2013 Islamist extremists took over the northern part of Mali. France sent 3,500 troops to help Mali. The extremists took over the town of Gao and enforced strict Sharia law.[7] This religious law of Islam punishes gay men by execution.[7] French troops were able to rescue two Malian men who were about to be executed for homosexuality.[7]

Summary table

Same-sex sexual activity legal Yes
Equal age of consent Yes (Since 1961)
Anti-discrimination laws in hate speech and violence No
Anti-discrimination laws in employment No
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services No
Same-sex marriage No
Recognition of same-sex couples No
Step-child adoption by same-sex couples No (Banned since 2011)
Joint adoption by same-sex couples No (Banned since 2011)
Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the military
Right to change legal gender
Access to IVF for lesbians No
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples No
MSMs allowed to donate blood No

References

  1. ↑ The number of adults surveyed in Mali was 700, yielding a margin of error of 4% with a 95% confidence level.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 ""Pew Global Attitudes Project", pages 35, 84, and 117" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-02-14. Retrieved 2015-12-01.
  3. ↑ "Laws on Homosexuality in African Nations". Library of Congress. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  4. ↑ "Mali: Situation of sexual minorities and their treatment by society and the authorities, including in the capital, Bamako; state protection and support services (2009-April 2014)". United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  5. ↑ Olga Khazan (15 January 2015). "Why some Malians are happy about the arrival of the French, in charts". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  6. ↑ Natalie Ilsley (20 November 2015). "Understanding Mali's Battle with Militants". Newsweek. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Jason St. Amand (6 February 2013). "French Troops Save 2 Gay Mali Men From Execution". EDGE Publications, Inc. Retrieved 2 December 2015.[permanent dead link]