Ethiopia

Article 629 of the 2004 Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia outlaws same-sex sexual activity between men and between women. Although the law is rarely enforced, it contributes to pervasive anti-LGBTIQ sentiment. LGBTIQ people face social stigmatization, violence, harassment, and discrimination at the hands of government officials and citizens. In August 2023, security forces cracked down on “homosexuality” in Ethiopia, while non-state actors were responsible for an online wave of incitation to violence, increasing physical attacks, and violent targeting. Christian and Muslim groups hold significant political and social influence, and many actively campaign for harsher penalties for same-sex conduct, thereby reinforcing hostile public perceptions. In June 2024, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church declared its stance on homosexuality and same-sex marriage, and registered its concern over the government’s signing of the Samoa agreement, which seeks to strengthen the relations of the European Union with 79 countries. The Charities and Societies Proclamation Law limits freedom of association in Ethiopia through Article 69, which prohibits registering groups whose names are deemed “contrary to public morality.”