Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste has had legal same-sex relations since 1975, with an equal age of consent of 14. The Civil Code expressly defines marriage between two same-sex persons as «legally non-existent», though the Domestic Violence Law recognizes people in «conditions analogous to those of spouses» as family. Solid sectoral protections: education (2023), health (2022), hate crimes as aggravator (2009), gender-based violence (2024), police anti-discrimination regulation. Gender identity recognition has no statutory pathway. Dili with emerging LGBTQI+ scene and Pride since 2017; President declared «I am a President for all people»; majority conservative Catholic society; 2017 survey: 86% reported physical and psychological violence · progressive framework on paper but uneven enforcement.
LGBTQI+ legal framework · Timor-Leste
Social context · Timor-Leste
2017 survey: 86% experienced physical and psychological violence · President declared «I am a President for all people!» · growing government support · majority conservative Catholic society
Source →Family and community violence documented · sexual orientation bias recognized as aggravator since 2009 · uneven enforcement
Source →Indicative data as of 2026-05-18. Check the destination country's official sources before travelling.
Recent
LGBT news · Timor-Leste
Gender-based violence protections for LGBTI
Explicit protections for LGBTI persons entered into force in gender-based violence legislation and new police anti-discrimination regulations.
Education and child protection laws protect LGBTI
Education and child protection laws include explicit protections for LGBTI individuals from 2023.