11 February 2021
Angola Decriminalises Homosexuality and Bans Discrimination
Legal International
Angola's revised Penal Code came into force, removing colonial-era 'vices against nature' provisions that had criminalised homosexual acts since Portuguese rule. Crucially, the new code went further than simple decriminalisation: it explicitly banned discrimination based on sexual orientation, making Angola one of the few African nations with such protections enshrined in criminal law.
Impact & Significance
Angola became a rare example in Africa of a country not only decriminalising homosexuality but also proactively legislating against anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Reference Record
- Date
- 11 February 2021
- Era
- 2020-present
- Sources
- 1
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Questions This Event Helps Answer
Q How did international law change LGBTQ+ rights? International law changed LGBTQ+ rights by challenging criminalisation, creating partnership recognition, protecting sexual orientation in constitutions and opening marriage equality. Q How did LGBTQ+ asylum protection develop? LGBTQ+ asylum protection developed as refugee law recognised persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity, then tested whether asylum systems treated claimants safely and fairly. Q Which global LGBTQ+ legal wins changed rights? Major wins included decriminalisation in Mozambique, Belize, India, Botswana, Angola and Singapore, plus Thailand's marriage-equality law.
