Azerbaijan
Although same-sex relations were decriminalized in 2000, Azerbaijan consistently ranks among the worst European countries for LGBTQI+ rights in comparative indices. In September 2017 at least 100 members of Baku's LGBTQI+ community were reportedly detained with allegations of beatings and forced medical examinations. There is no legal recognition of unions. We recommend consulting official sources before planning any travel.
Legal framework · Azerbaijan
LGBT
identity
Decriminalized since 2000 · documented institutional violence
Decriminalized 1 September 2000 (Council of Europe accession requirement) · but mass raids reported in 2017 (≥100 detained)
Partnership
recognition
Not recognized
No same-sex marriage or civil union · no adoption · among the worst European countries in comparative LGBTQI+ rights rankings
Official sources
check before traveling to Azerbaijan
Foreign affairs ministries publish updated travel advisories. For destinations with restrictive legal frameworks we recommend consulting several official sources before planning.