What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Bhutan? Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators.

Is homosexuality legal in Bhutan?

Following a 2021 amendment to the country's Penal Code, homosexuality is no longer illegal in Bhutan.

Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in Bhutan?

There are no specific provisions that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination on the basis of sexuality.

Is there Marriage Equality in Bhutan?

There’s not currently any legal recognition of same-sex relationships in Bhutan, but there are moves to amend the legislation that covers marriage so that is gender neutral. If this can be implemented, it would effectively deliver Marriage Equality to Bhutan.

What’s life like for LGBTQ people in Bhutan?

It’s not particularly straightforward to look at LGBTQ equality in Bhutan through a western lens – there’s a sense that the way that Bhutan society understands sexuality doesn’t necessarily align with how it is viewed in other countries.

But it’s clear that Bhutan has more work to do in aligning its laws with the international human rights framework that recognises the importance of an explicit commitment to LGBTQ equality.