Transgender individuals have been a controversial topic in several countries. Many countries strongly oppose the legalization of the LGBT community, including transgender individuals.
Most of the countries that reject transgender individuals are Muslim-majority countries because it goes against religious teachings that prohibit such practices.
Countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Malaysia, and many more, according to Human Rights Watch. Additionally, Brunei, Oman, and Kuwait criminalize individuals who are proven to be transgender.
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| Russia is one of the non -Muslim countries that refused transgender. Photo/illustration |
However, the ban on transgender individuals is not limited to Muslim-majority countries only. Some non-Muslim majority countries also prohibit it.
Non-Muslim Majority Countries that Prohibit Transgender Individuals
There are at least five non-Muslim majority countries that reject transgender individuals. Here are the countries:
1. Sri Lanka
According to data from the U.S. government, 70.2% of Sri Lanka's population is Buddhist, followed by 12.6% Hindu, while Islam only makes up 9.7%.
The Teardrop of India is known to have a bill that will criminalize same-sex relationships and transgender individuals. According to the Washington Blade, in 2022, MP Premnath Dolawatte introduced a bill that would amend Sri Lanka's Penal Code to criminalize homosexuality.
Transgender individuals also face mistreatment in this country. Many complaints have been made regarding discrimination and harassment they face. This is because anyone who does not adhere to gender norms in Sri Lanka will face arbitrary detention, mistreatment, and job discrimination.
3. Ghana
In recent years, Ghana and Cameroon, two African countries with Christian majorities, have introduced new laws criminalizing LGBT activities, causing concerns among human rights activists.
Ghana, a country with a 71% Christian population, passed a new anti-LGBT bill in 2021 that criminalizes identifying as LGBT with a five-year jail term. The same punishment applies to those who marry or intend to marry transgender individuals. However, the law has been criticized for violating the country's constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.
3. Cameroon
Meanwhile, Cameroon, with a 69.2% Christian population, has long-standing laws that criminalize same-sex activities and impose a five-year prison sentence. In March 2022, security forces arrested and detained at least 11 people suspected of engaging in same-sex behavior.
Human rights organizations such as the Cameroon Foundation for AIDS (CAMFAIDS) have reported cases of violence and persecution against LGBT individuals. Such laws have created an environment in which LGBT people can be harassed and attacked by civilians and security forces alike.
These new laws have alarmed human rights activists who believe that they violate fundamental human rights and could lead to further discrimination and violence against LGBT people in both countries.
4. Russia
In 2013, Russia passed a law that prohibits the "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations." The term "non-traditional" in the law is Russia's way of opposing the LGBT community.
The law imposes administrative fines for LGBT propaganda of 4,000 to 5,000 rubles (approximately USD 120 - USD 150) for individuals and 800,000 to 1 million rubles (approximately USD 24,000 - USD 30,000) for NGOs, companies, or other legal entities.
Then, in 2015, this majority-Christian country passed a law banning people with "sexual disorders" such as fetishists, voyeurs, exhibitionists, and transsexuals from driving.
However, the driving ban law was eventually repealed after facing significant criticism.
Apart from these five Muslim-majority countries, there are also other non-Muslim countries that prohibit LGBT, such as Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh, Barbados, and Jamaica.
The law also applies to anyone who engages in cross-dressing or wearing clothing that is not appropriate for their gender identity, such as transsexuals.
5. Dominica
According to Reuters, Dominica is one of nine countries in the Caribbean that oppose LGBT rights.
The most prominent issue in the country is the criminalization of same-sex relationships. This law has been in effect since 1873.
LGBT individuals in Dominica can face up to 12 years in prison and be sent to psychiatric institutions.
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