While shocking in comparison to much of Europe, the absence of gay rights in Egypt is comparable to the situation in many Arab and North African countries. 95% of Egyptians are reported to find homosexuality unacceptable to society. Gay marriage and gay adoption are illegal, stances Egyptians largely support. A 1961 law forbidding ‘debauchery’ has been reinterpreted to persecute LGBTQ people, leading to mass arrests and horrific abuses, along with up to three years imprisonment.
Read moreĪccording to the latest LGBTQ Travel Index by Spartacus, Egypt ranked -9 in terms of its LGBTQ rights, scoring well below many other countries in criterion such as antidescrimination legislation, civil partnerships, and anti-gay laws. 95% of Egyptians are reported to find homosexuality unacceptable to. Egyptians are extremely religious, and as the teachings of Islam do not explicitly support homosexuality, this mindset remains strong among local society.Īccording to the latest LGBTQ Travel Index by Spartacus, Egypt ranked -9 in terms of its LGBTQ rights, scoring well below many other countries in criterion such as antidescrimination legislation, civil partnerships, and anti-gay laws. Before visiting the famous Pyramids of Giza or touring the banks of the Nile, you may wonder about LGBTQ rights in Egypt and ask yourself, “Is Egypt safe for LGBTQ travelers?” While homosexuality is not explicitly illegal as is the case in many of Egypt’s neighboring countries, the lack of gay rights in Egypt is a major concern.