More Than Half The World Now Live In A Country Where Gay Sex Is Legal

Over 75% of the world now live in a country where gay sex is legal.

Before Thursday, 3.17 billion people lived in a place where homosexuality was banned by law. That’s 42% of the global population.

With the historical ruling by India’s Supreme Court, the number has tumbled down to 1.84 billion.

This means 24% of the people in the world live in a country where gay sex is illegal.

India’s LGBTI community celebrates Supreme Court decision to end gay sex ban

Five Supreme Court judges ruled Section 377 of the Penal Code was unconstitutional in India. They also said it violated the right to privacy.

India has an estimated LGBTI population of 78 million. This was, therefore, the biggest decriminalization verdict in history.

“We have to vanquish prejudice, embrace inclusion, and ensure equal rights,” said Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra in his judgment.

Misra argued that public morality and majoritarian views “cannot dictate constitutional rights”. He said LGBTI people deserve the same rights as other people.

The court ruled: ‘Sexual orientation of an individual is natural and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is a violation of Freedom of Expression.’

“This verdict reaffirms our faith in not just legality but also humanity,” Harish Iyer, one of the most high profile LGBTI advocates in India reportedly said. “This is a giant leap for humankind. We were born without discrimination.”

Still A Lot Of Work To Do

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However, in many countries, gay sex remains illegal. Homosexual activity can still result in prosecution in 71 countries, including most African countries like Nigeria and Uganda. In over half a dozen countries, those found guilty can even face the death penalty. These include Iran, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and parts of Somalia. Members of the Islamic State have also put people to death for being gay in Iran and Syria.

And it’s not just about decriminalizing gay sex.

Activists across the world have to achieve marriage equality, protections against discrimination, banning LGBTI ‘cure’ therapy, and putting in place trans and intersex rights. Trans women, especially those of color, continue to face the highest risk of being murdered.

In some countries, like Egypt or Chechnya, it’s getting worse to be LGBTI.

A previous protest where an activist flew a rainbow flag at the pyramids in Giza

But the worldwide trends suggest progress continues at a fast pace.

Today, 1.18 billion people – 16% of the world’s population – live in a country with marriage equality. Alongside marriage and partnership rights, LGBTI parenthood has expanded rapidly. Very often adopted and foster kids have benefited. Now 26 nation states allow same-sex couples to adopt jointly and 27 allow you to adopt your partner’s child. Around 40 countries currently give transgender people some rights.

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Ultimately, it’s about changing hearts and minds.

A study by GLAAD found 20% of Americans aged 18 to 34 identify within the LGBTI community. That’s compared to a national average of 12%. It’s a massive change from the oldest generation in the US. Just 5% of people aged 72 or over say they are LGBTQ. Straight and cisgender younger people also have better attitudes than their elders.

The same GLAAD survey asked non-LGBTQs if they were ‘allies’, ‘detached supporters’ or ‘resisters’ of our community. An encouraging 86% of straight, cisgender 18 to 34s are allies or supporters.