Using the Law and Courts to Advance Equality

Private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity between adults is still illegal in 63 jurisdictions, with punishments ranging from arrest and imprisonment to whipping and, in 12 countries,the death penalty. Around the world, public order and vagrancy laws are used to harass, arrest and prosecute trans people, while gender expression and identity is criminalised in 14 jurisdictions through “crossdressing”, “impersonation” and “disguise” laws.

Even in many countries that do not criminalise LGBTQI identities, members of the community face additional legal barriers and a disturbing lack of legal protections against discrimination. Socially and economically excluded, LGBTQI people also struggle to access the support they need if they are being harassed or persecuted through the legal system.

GiveOut’s grant partners are using the law and courts to challenge laws criminalising same- sex sexual activity and trans identities, win legal protections against discrimination, defend LGBTQI people against unfair treatment, and advance marriage equality.

To support this vital work, GiveOut has established the LGBTQI Legal Aid Fund, to channel funding to our grant partners and facilitate pro bono legal support from some of the world’s leading law firms.