- Source: LGBTQ rights in the Republic of the Congo
- LGBTQ rights in the Republic of the Congo
- LGBTQ rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- List of LGBTQ rights articles by region
- LGBTQ rights in the Central African Republic
- LGBTQ rights in Ghana
- LGBTQ rights in Morocco
- Communism and LGBTQ rights
- LGBTQ rights in the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
- LGBTQ rights in Rwanda
- LGBTQ rights in Egypt
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the Republic of the Congo face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Both male and female expressions of homosexuality are legal in the Republic of the Congo, but same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples, with reports of discrimination and abuses towards LGBT people.
Laws regarding same-sex sexual activity
Same-sex relationships have been legal in the Republic of the Congo since 1940. The text of the 1940 Penal Code, as amended in 2006, only prohibits same-sex sexual behaviour with a person younger than 21 years. There is an unequal age of consent, with it being 18 for opposite-sex sexual activity.
Recognition of same-sex relationships
There is no legal recognition of same-sex unions.
Discrimination protections
There is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Living conditions
The U.S. Department of State's 2010 Human Rights Report found that,
There was not a large openly gay or lesbian community due to the social stigma associated with homosexuality ... There were no known cases of violence or discrimination against gays, lesbians, or transgendered individuals during the year. While discrimination may exist due to the social stigma surrounding homosexuality, no such cases were reported to the NGOs or covered by the media.
Summary table
See also
Human rights in the Republic of the Congo
LGBT rights in Africa