Mauritius

Mauritius decriminalized same-sex relations on October 4, 2023, when the Supreme Court declared Section 250 of the colonial Criminal Code unconstitutional (which had imposed up to 5 years' penal servitude for sodomy). Employment and goods/services anti-discrimination since 2008; following the ruling, also with constitutional backing. Intersex birth certificate option since 2021. No marriage or legal gender change. Port Louis · beach-resort destination · one of Africa's most LGBT-friendly societies though with conservative religious sectors.

Population 1,2M Capital Port Louis Language English and French (de facto); Mauritian Creole (common language) Currency Mauritian Rupee (MUR)

LGBTQI+ legal framework · Mauritius

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LGBT identity

Legal (since 2023)

Supreme Court declared Section 250 of Criminal Code unconstitutional on October 4, 2023 · previous penalty up to 5 years penal servitude for sodomy (colonial) · equal age of consent (16)

Partnership recognition

Not recognized

No same-sex marriage or civil union · no joint adoption

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Legal protection

Anti-discrimination (2008 statutory · 2023 constitutional)

Anti-discrimination by sexual orientation in employment and goods/services since 2008 · constitutional backing since 2023 Supreme Court ruling

Trans rights

Intersex certificate option (since 2021) · no legal gender change

Intersex birth certificate option since 2021 · no legal gender change recognition for trans persons

Conversion therapies

No ban

No legal ban on conversion therapy

Social context · Mauritius

Social acceptance

Mixed

Mixed · 49% wouldn't mind (Afrobarometer 2016 — most recent available data)

Around half of Mauritians comfortable with LGBT neighbours (2016 poll) · one of Africa's most LGBT-friendly societies, though conservative attitudes persist

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Anti-LGBT violence

Documented

Documented · religious threats (Pride 2018)

Activists report death threats linked to religious extremists · 2018 Pride march cancelled after hundreds of threats, though prominent religious figures on the island condemned anti-LGBT protests

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Indicative data as of 2026-06-02. Check the destination country's official sources before travelling.

Experiences
gay friendly · Mauritius

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

Affiliate links to selected experiences

Recent
LGBT news · Mauritius

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

OCT 04, 2023 · LEGAL

Supreme Court decriminalizes sodomy

The Supreme Court of Mauritius declares Section 250 of the colonial Criminal Code unconstitutional, which had punished sodomy with up to 5 years' penal servitude.