Qatar
Same-sex relations are criminalized under Article 296 of the Penal Code (Law 11/2004), with sentences of one to three years' imprisonment, and de jure the death penalty applies to Muslims under Sharia. There is no legal recognition of same-sex unions. Despite tourism marketing and international events like the 2022 World Cup, LGBTQI+ activity remains criminalized. We recommend consulting official sources before planning any travel.
Legal framework · Qatar
LGBT
identity
Criminalized · 1 to 3 years (de jure max penalty execution)
Penal Code (Law 11/2004), Article 296 · 1 to 3 years for sodomy · death penalty applies de jure to Muslims under Sharia (unenforced)
Partnership
recognition
Not recognized
No same-sex marriage, civil union or domestic partnership · cohabitation illegal
Official sources
check before traveling to Qatar
Foreign affairs ministries publish updated travel advisories. For destinations with restrictive legal frameworks we recommend consulting several official sources before planning.