The Gambia
Same-sex relations are criminalized in The Gambia since the 1933 Criminal Code, extended to women in 2005 and tightened in 2014 with life imprisonment for 'aggravated' cases. The Criminal Offences Act 2025 (passed 28 March 2025) replaces the prior legislation, maintaining criminalization with a minimum 5-year sentence while removing the life imprisonment provision. There is no legal recognition of same-sex unions. Several foreign affairs ministries maintain active travel advisories for The Gambia. We recommend consulting official sources before planning any travel.
Legal framework · The Gambia
LGBT
identity
Criminalized · minimum 5 years (2025 law)
1933 Criminal Code (up to 14 years); Criminal Code (Amendment) Act 2005 extends to women; 2014 reform introduced life imprisonment for 'aggravated' cases; Criminal Offences Act 2025 (passed 28 Mar 2025) replaces prior law — homosexuality remains criminalized with minimum 5-year sentence; life imprisonment provision removed
Partnership
recognition
Not recognized
No same-sex marriage or civil union · no legal gender change mechanism
Official sources
check before traveling to The Gambia
Foreign affairs ministries publish updated travel advisories. For destinations with restrictive legal frameworks we recommend consulting several official sources before planning.