Gabon

Gabon experienced a regression-restoration between 2019-2020: on July 5, 2019 criminalized same-sex relations (up to 6 months jail and 5 million CFA fine), but on June 23, 2020 the National Assembly decriminalized again. No partnership recognition. The 2024 Constitution includes an eternity clause defining marriage as "union between two people of the opposite sex" (effective April 12, 2025). Limited protections by sexual orientation (sensitive data). No legal gender change. Libreville as francophone oil hub · clandestine scene · documented discrimination and violence.

Population 2,3M Capital Libreville Language French Currency Central African CFA Franc (XAF)

LGBTQI+ legal framework · Gabon

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LGBT identity

Legal (again since 2020)

Historically legal 1960-2019 · July 5, 2019: criminalized (up to 6 months jail + 5M CFA fine) · June 23, 2020: National Assembly decriminalized · legal status restored

Partnership recognition

No recognition · 2024 constitutional ban

No legal recognition of couples · 2024 Constitution includes eternity clause defining marriage as union between two people of opposite sex (effective April 12, 2025)

Legal protection

Limited · sensitive data (Law 025/2023)

Narrow cover on grounds of sexual life and orientation · gender identity excluded · under Law 025/2023, sexual orientation counts as sensitive data (personal-data protection)

Trans rights

No recognition

Legal gender change unavailable · no targeted protections or recognition pathways · gender-affirming care absent

Conversion therapies

Unregulated

No official information on practices or regulation

Social context · Gabon

Social acceptance

Hostile

Hostile · high stigma

LGBT Gabonese typically remain closeted to avoid stigma · conservative Christian society with Bantu traditions

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Anti-LGBT violence

Documented

Documented · no aggravator

US State Department reported discrimination and violence as problems. No specific hate crime legislation. No effective reporting mechanisms.

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Indicative data as of 2026-05-18. Check the destination country's official sources before travelling.

Experiences
gay friendly · Gabon

Top-booked tours and activities, with instant booking via Viator.

Affiliate links to selected experiences

Recent
LGBT news · Gabon

Latest changes — new laws, rulings, events relevant to LGBTQI+ travelers.

JUN 23, 2020 · LEGAL

Decriminalization

National Assembly approved decriminalization of same-sex sexual activity · reverses July 2019 criminalization.

APR 12, 2025 · LEGAL

Constitution bans marriage equality

New Constitution (2024, effective 2025) includes eternity clause defining marriage as man-woman union.