Zambia gay
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Last updated: 11 July 2025
Types of criminalisation
- Criminalises LGBT people
- Criminalises sexual activity between males
- Criminalises sexual activity between females
Summary
Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under the Penal Code, which criminalises acts of ‘carnal knowledge of against the order of nature’ and ‘gross indecency’. These provisions carry a maximum penalty of fourteen years’ imprisonment. Both men and women are criminalised under this law.
The law was inherited from the British during the colonial period, in which the English criminal law was imposed upon Zambia. Zambia retained the provision upon self-determination and continues to criminalise same-sex sexual activity today.
There is substantial evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, with LGBT people being frequently subject to arrest. A high-profile case in 2019 saw two gay men convicted and sentenced for 15 years’ imprisonment for same-sex sexual activity. Accompanying international pressure, t
Zambia court acquits uppermost gay rights activist
A Zambia court has acquitted a prominent gay rights activist charged with an offence against common morality over comments he made on television in support of homosexuals.
Paul Kasonkomona’s acquittal on Tuesday was hailed by gay rights advocates as a enhance for human rights and came a night after Uganda signed a law imposing harsh penalties for homosexuality.
Kasonkomona had appeared on television saying that recognising same-sex attracted rights was needed to address the country’s HIV-AIDS epidemic.
Kasonkomona did not deserve to be arrested for expressing his opinion
by Annekke Meerkotter, lawyer
“The court dominated that Paul is acquitted. It’s a final ruling,” said Anneke Meerkotter, a lawyer at the Southern Africa Litigation Centre, which provided legal support to Kasonkomona.
The magistrate dominated that the express had failed to prove its case.
Kasonkomona hailed his acquittal as “a landmark judgment”, telling AFP news agency that it was “a victory for all Zambians” and vowing to press on with his activism.
“Today is the terminate of my court case but the struggle continues,” he said. “I will continue to utter for the rights of all Zam
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Gender non-conforming (LGBT) travel to Zambia
LGBT travel in Zambia
We contain been arranging trips to Zambia for our travellers for over 20 years. In that time none of our LGBT travellers has reported to us any problems with attitudes towards their sexuality, and some have returned to the country several times.
We believe this reflects the general culture in Zambia, where the majority of people are friendly and welcoming, and care minuscule about a visitor’s gender or sexuality. In our experience LGBT travel to Zambia has always been safe and uneventful.
However, we believe it’s important for our travellers to be aware of the current laws in the territory, and the opinion of the general population, which we have outlined below. We would also propose reading the UK government’s latest advice before you travel.
The legal framework for LGBT travellers in Zambia
Zambia’s laws governing sexual relationships date back to 1931 when Zambia was still part of Rhodesia, and the country derived many
LGBTQ Zambians face up to hate and bigotry
Mary identifies as a transgender woman, but presents to society as a gay man.
"I am forced to be gay in Zambia because it isn't as perilous as being trans," Mary told DW when we met at a Lusaka restaurant.
"Gay people are at least tolerated in Zambia, even if they are not accepted," Mary explained.
But that would depend on how far the definition of tolerance is stretched. In some public spaces, insults and threats are part of everyday life, added Mary.
And while her family "tolerates" her, she presents to them as a male lover man because she doesn't feel secure coming out as transgender to anyone outside of the LGBTQ community.
LGBTQ society remains underground
Many Zambian LGBTQ people experience that their family spaces are far from safe.
Growing up, Anold Mulaisho wasn't allowed to perform with other children because of action his family considered "effeminate."
Eventually, when he was 14, his father threw him out after attempts to change him failed.
"The only people that would come and visit me were pastors […] so that I'm capable to be delivered from the demon," he told DW.
Zambia’s New President, the US and the Politics of Homosexuality
The increasingly popular “Lusaka July” event — Zambia’s equivalent of the Kentucky Derby or the Royal Ascot — is acknowledged as much for its pomp, splendor and extravagance as it is for polo. This year’s event, held on Sept. 3, sparked controversy in the predominantly conservative country when photographs appeared online of men dressed in performative and openly showing warmth toward one another.
The event prompted immediate outrage from religious groups, politicians and the public at massive, who deemed it “un-African” and a sign of Western culture permeating the continent due to internet exposure and pressure from Western governments.
On Twitter and Facebook, users called for the arrest of the event’s organizers, amid mounting threats of violence.
Users tweeted:
“We will start beating them when we find them. Zambia, the most unsafe country to be same-sex attracted in.”
“If they are sodomizing men then let’s trim off every gay d*** in Zambia. Vaupuba! [Stupidity].”
Like many African countries, Zambia outlaws same-sex relationships under colonial-era statutes. A fiercely religious country and former British colony, its laws prohibit