Right to change legal gender: Legal, surgery not required from Sep 2017 to now.
In September 2017, the Botswana High Court ruled that the refusal of the Registrar of National Registration to change a transgender man's gender marker was "unreasonable and violated his constitutional rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of expression, equal protection of the law, freedom from discrimination and freedom from inhumane and degrading treatment". LGBT activists celebrated the ruling, describing it as a great victory. At first, the Botswana Government announced it would appeal the ruling, but decided against it in December, supplying the trans man with a new identity document that reflects his gender identity.
A similar case, where a transgender woman sought to change her gender marker to female, was heard in December 2017. The High Court ruled that the Government must recognise her gender identity. She dedicated her victory to "every single trans diverse person in Botswana".
Blood donations by MSMs: Legal from Jan 2014 to now.
Newer law has been passed. As of 20/05/2014 South African National Blood Service (SANBS) will accept donations from anyone as long as they have been in a monogamous relationship for the prior six months, or celibate - regardless of sexual orientation. Donors will be asked about sexual history rather than sexual orientation. Six month deferral instead applies to everyone with new sexual partners.
Censorship of LGBT Issues: State-enforced from past to now.
The country has very strict media censorship and a very influential religious sect, so any obvious/open acts of homosexuality will likely get you into trouble as was the case with The Week newspaper.
Censorship of LGBT Issues: No censorship from past to now.
The country has very strict media censorship and a very influential religious sect, so any obvious/open acts of homosexuality will likely get you into trouble as was the case with The Week newspaper.
Namibian state does not perform same-sex marriage, however in numerous cases foreign same sex marriages have been recognized and parental rights have even been granted to gay couples looking to adopt.
LGBT housing discrimination: Ambiguous from Jan 1, 1980 to now.
"All Rwandans are born and remain equal in rights and freedoms. General guarantee of equality
Discrimination of any kind or its propaganda based on, inter alia, ethnic origin, family
or ancestry, clan, skin colour or race, sex, region, economic categories, religion or
faith, opinion, fortune, cultural differences, language, economic status, physical or
mental disability or any other form of discrimination are prohibited and punishable
by law."
LGBT employment discrimination: Ambiguous from past to now.
"All Rwandans are born and remain equal in rights and freedoms. General guarantee of equality
Discrimination of any kind or its propaganda based on, inter alia, ethnic origin, family
or ancestry, clan, skin colour or race, sex, region, economic categories, religion or
faith, opinion, fortune, cultural differences, language, economic status, physical or
mental disability or any other form of discrimination are prohibited and punishable
by law."
The North Korean age of consent is set at 15 regardless of sexuality. There are claims that the age of consent varies, but no official North Korean sources back these claims.
North Koreans serving in the military are required to maintain 10 (ten) years of celibacy . Homosexual behavior in the military has been described as situational behavior rather than a genuine behavior. Therefore, with no other appropriate label, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is assumed to be the most accurate status.
Sources: Hassig and Oh (2009) The Hidden People of North Korea
Martin (2006) Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader, p. 521
LGBT discrimination: Ambiguous from Sep 14, 1948 to now.
The North Korean Constitution states that all citizens are equal but it is unclear if this equality is extended to LGBT citizens, however this is not backed by any legal resources or human accounts.