Uzbekistan

The Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, inherited from the Soviet Union, criminalizes same-sex relations between men and prescribes a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment. In April 2023, the government adopted a constitution declaring that “marriage is based on the traditional family values of the people of Uzbekistan.” In June 2025, the Uzbekistan Cabinet of Ministers made changes to the civil status regulations to allow individuals who have officially changed their gender to change their name on legal documents. However, subsequent clarifications seem to indicate this only applies to intersex people who have undergone “corrective” surgeries. 

There have been reports of multiple forms of violence against people of queer experience by state and non-state actors, including hate speech, compulsory HIV testing of men who have sex with men, conversion practices, physical abuse, arbitrary detention, forced anal examinations of people suspected to engage in same-sex sexual acts, and the torture and rape by police officers of LGBTIQ people in their custody. Trans women have faced particular targeting for arrest and other human rights abuses in recent years. LGBTQ activism in Uzbekistan is “almost impossible” as a result of intimidation from both the authorities and members of the public, curbing the right to freedom of association.