LGBTQ rights in the Maldives

Homosexuality is illegal in the Maldives . In addition, the Maldives was one of the 67 signatory nations opposing the UN declaration on sexual orientation and gender identity , which failed to pass. State-sponsored Homophobia A world survey of laws prohibiting same sex activity between consenting adults

Same-sex relationships are illegal in the Maldives under Sharia law , though not under national law. In addition, the Maldives was one of the initially 57 (now 54) signatory nations to a statement opposing the UN declaration on sexual orientation and gender identity which was introduced for the General Assembly in 2008 originally and remains open for signature. The country further opposed a landmark LGBT rights resolution in the United Nations Human Rights Council , proposed by the Republic of South Africa and backed by most developed countries which passed in 2011. In April 2013 the first openly gay and secular blogger in the Maldives, Hilath Rasheed was attacked. State-sponsored Homophobia A world survey of laws prohibiting same sex activity between consenting adults The named reference "ILGA 2013" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page ). Darker side of the Maldives: Public lashings, religious extremists and a gay blogger with his throat slashed , The Belfast Telegraph , Eric Randolph, 18 June 2013

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT ) people are generally discriminated against in the Maldives . Maldivian law criminalizes homosexuality and prescribes criminal penalties for same-sex sexual conduct and relationships. The Penal Code of the Maldives works with Islamic Shariah Law to punish any acts relating to homosexuality through fines, prison sentences, and lashings. Despite this, homosexuality is rarely prosecuted, but remains a social taboo where sexual orientation discrimination occurs frequently and those in the LGBTQ community are subject to discrimination, hate crimes and other human rights violations. LGBTQ tourists are generally considered to be welcome at most private tourist islands, resorts and hotels. However, tourist guides warn that non-resort islands (local islands) are under Shariah Law and advise LGBTQ tourists to exercise caution when in public outside of privately owned tourist areas. [1] Maldives Penal Code [2] United Nations Human Rights Council 'Compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21' at 7. Reality: Gay travel to the Maldives - LGBT tailor-made travel" .

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer ( LGBTQ ) people in the Maldives face challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Maldivian law criminalizes same-sex sexual activity for men and women. The Penal Code of the Maldives invokes Sharia , and punishes homosexuality, usually through fines, prison sentences, and lashings. Homosexuality is rarely prosecuted, but it remains a social taboo . Those in the LGBTQ community are subject to discrimination, hate crimes, and other human rights violations. Despite this, LGBTQ tourists are generally considered welcome at most private tourist islands, resorts, and hotels. However, tourist guides warn that local islands are governed under Sharia and advise LGBTQ people to exercise caution outside of tourist areas. Human Dignity Trust . 11 February 2019 . [1] United Nations Human Rights Council 'Compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21' at 7. Reality: Gay travel to the Maldives - LGBT tailor-made travel" .