Gay Guide Zambia

Homosexual relations between men of any age are illegal under Articles 155-158 of the Penal Code. The maximum sentence is 14 years imprisonment. Lesbian relationships are also explicitly mentioned in the Criminal Code. There are reports that painful anal examinations are ordered by the authorities if there is a suspicion that someone might be homosexual. In 2011, Zambia was one of 3 countries that refused to comply with the Human Rights Council's request to deliver a report on the situation of the country's LGBTQ citizens. In 2012, the country rejected recommendations to abolish laws criminalising homosexuality. In 2018, the government officially took note of such a recommendation, but the situation has not changed. There are many reports of assaults and attacks on members of the queer community - including members of the penal system. There is no protection nor rights for queer people in the constitution; the majority of the community therefore lives in hiding. Zambia is one of the poorest countries in the world. Many people have to get by on less than 1 US Dollar per day.