LGBT rights in Ethiopia

Male homosexuality is illegal in Ethiopia and female homosexuality is overlooked in the law. Mainstream Ethiopian social mores are broadly influenced by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Muslim religious life. Lesbian and gay life in Ethiopia is becoming more visible and organized, at least in the cities.

odomy law

Article 629 prohibits like homosexual acts. [Spartacus International Gay Guide, page 1217. Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2007.] Article 630 punishes such acts with a maximum prison sentence of 10 years - applied when the victim is subjected to acts of cruelty or sadism; when the offender knowingly transmits a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or when the offender commits homosexual acts with a person under the age of 15 years. Article 631 punishes pedophilia. [Spartacus International Gay Guide, page 1217. Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2007.]

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