Sri lanka lgbtq rights

Executive summary

Sri Lanka is about half the size of England with an estimated population of around 22 million people. One study create 12% of people aged 18-65 considered themselves to be lesbian, gay, bisexual person, trans or intersex (LGBTI) with populations predominantly located in Colombo, the Northwestern and North Primary provinces.

The Constitution states that all persons are equal under the law but does not specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Consensual queer acts between adults are a criminal offence under the Penal Code, although prosecutions are unique . LGBTI people are unlikely to be at risk of prosecution under the Penal Code, although if it were applied it would be disproportionate and discriminatory. Other laws are used to harass, arrest, and detain LGBTI people, particularly trans women and sex workers, although most cases do not proceed to court.

The government states it will ensure and enhance the rights for the LGBTI group, and homophobic and transphobic rhetoric from government and common officials has decreased since its summit during the election period of 2020. The government supports a 2023

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual activity under Sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code, which prohibit "carnal knowledge against the order of nature" and "gross indecency." These colonial-era provisions impose penalties of up to ten years of imprisonment and fines, applying to men and women. While prosecutions under these laws have been limited, reports indicate that LGBTIQ individuals frequently encounter harassment, violence, and discrimination, including extortion, arbitrary arrests, and denial of crucial services. No comprehensive anti-discrimination protections are in place. Authorities have been using forced anal and vaginal examinations to seek evidence of same-sex relations, practices widely condemned as a form of torture. 

Recent legal developments signal a potential shift. In May 2023, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court ruled that a proposed amendment decriminalizing consensual gay relations was constitutional, allowing it to proceed to parliamentary debate. This choice was a critical step toward repealing archaic provisions that violate international human rights standards. Additionally, in 2022, the United Nations Committee on th

According to recent survey facts available, societal resistance to LGBTQ+ rights in Sri Lanka is noticeable.

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History

Same-sex marriage in Sri Lanka

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Censorship of LGBT issues in Sri Lanka

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Censorship of LGBT issues in Sri Lanka is no censorship.

In Sri Lanka, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.

However, there are cases where Sri Lanka’s regulation against impersonation has been used to target trans people for their gender expression, despite the statute not explicitly criminalising it.

Right to change legal gender in Sri Lanka

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Right to change legal gender in Sri Lanka is legal, but requires medical diagnosis.

Current status

Legal, but requires medical diagnosis

Surgery is not required to legally change your gender in Sri Lanka. However, expert testimony/diagnoses is required.

Gender-affirming care in Sri Lanka

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Gender-affirming care in Sri Lanka is restricted.

Gender-affirming nurture is legal, but complicated to access in Sri Lanka. Adult Sri Lankans require parental consent before sex reassignment

Vavuniyāva is lacking public view data.

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Have you lived in or visited Vavuniyāva?

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History

Same-sex marriage in Vavuniyāva

?

Censorship of LGBT issues in Vavuniyāva

?

Censorship of LGBT issues in Vavuniyāva is no censorship.

In Sri Lanka, there are no laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBTQ+ topics.

However, there are cases where Sri Lanka’s law against impersonation has been used to target transgender people for their gender phrase, despite the law not explicitly criminalising it.

Right to change legal gender in Vavuniyāva

?

Right to change legal gender in Vavuniyāva is legal, but requires medical diagnosis.

Current status

Legal, but requires medical diagnosis

Surgery is not required to legally transform your gender in Sri Lanka. However, expert testimony/diagnoses is required.

Gender-affirming care in Vavuniyāva

?

Gender-affirming care in Vavuniyāva is restricted.

Gender-aff

A ray of hope: proposed decriminalisation of LGBTQI+ rights in Sri Lanka

Monday 28 August 2023

Ruwani Dantanarayana
FJ&G de Saram, Colombo
ruwani.dantanarayana@fjgdesaram.com

Introduction

In an age where most nations are debating the grant and recognition of rights to their lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, gay and intersex (LGBTQI+) community, Sri Lanka has been in a blissful declare of simply ignoring that it lives in a earth which recognises the rights of the LGBTQI+ community and advocates for the rights of the LGBTQI+ community. It has thus fallen far behind in protecting the rights of the LGBTQI+ community in Sri Lanka.

As the commandment currently stands in Sri Lanka, there is no straightforward constitutional protection granting equality to the LGBTQI+ community and, under the rule, sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka penalise same-sex relationships. These laws, along with cultural and social stigmas, result in the LGBTQI+ people in Sri Lanka facing all forms of discrimination, marginalisation and violence.

In evidence, a UK Abode Office Country of Origin report[1] on Sri Lanka, summarised the widespread discrimination faced by LGBTQI+ people, including engage