Palestinian Territories

In Palestine, the legality of same-sex sexual activity is mixed. In the West Bank, same-sex sexual activity between men was decriminalized in 1951, while in Gaza, same-sex sexual activity can be interpreted as illegal under the British colonial-era criminal code. LGBTIQ civil society organizations exist in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, but registration as openly LGBTIQ is challenging. In 2019, Palestinian police banned LGBTIQ groups from hosting events and activities in the West Bank, although this decision was later rescinded due to backlash. Palestinian-led LGBTIQ organizations have also faced challenges in registering in Israel. There have been reports of violence and discrimination against sexual and gender minorities in recent years.

Like all Palestinians, LGBTIQ Palestinians have been deeply impacted by Israeli attacks on Gaza, including attacks on health care services, other services, and social infrastructure. Outright’s research has found that crisis situations often have a disproportionate impact on people of queer experience, highlighting the need for all parties to apply the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence in order to prevent a further humanitarian catastrophe and loss of lives, and provide the humanitarian aid needed.