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Rainbow Map
2025 rainbow map
These are the main findings for the 2025 edition of the rainbow map
The Rainbow Map ranks 49 European countries on their respective legal and policy practices for LGBTI people, from 0-100%.
The UK has dropped six places in ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Route, as Hungary and Georgia also register steep falls accompanying anti-LGBTI legislation. The data highlights how rollbacks on LGBTI human rights are part of a broader erosion of democratic protections across Europe. Read more in our urge release.
“Moves in the UK, Hungary, Georgia and beyond signal not just isolated regressions, but a coordinated global backlash aimed at erasing LGBTI rights, cynically framed as the defence of tradition or public stability, but in life designed to entrench discrimination and suppress dissent.”
- Katrin Hugendubel, Lobbying Director, ILGA-Europe
Malta has sat on highest of the ranking for the last 10 years.
With 85 points, Belgium jumped to second place after adopting policies tackling hatred based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.
Iceland now comes third place on the ranking with a score of 84.
The three BBC News US Vice-President Kamala Harris who is on a tour of three African countries - Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia - has drawn criticism over her support for LGBTQ rights. In Ghana, in a speech calling for "all people be treated equally" she appeared to criticise a bill before the country's parliament which criminalises advocacy for lgbtq+ rights and proposes jail terms for those that distinguish as lesbian, same-sex attracted, bisexual, or transgender. The country's Speaker Alban Bagbin later called her remarks "undemocratic" and urged lawmakers not to be "intimidated by any person". In Tanzania, a former minister spoke against US sustain for LGBTQ rights ahead of the visit and in Zambia some contradiction politicians have threatened to hold protests. There are 64 countries that possess laws that criminalise homosexuality, and nearly half of these are in Africa. Some countries, including several in Africa, have recently moved to decriminalise homosexual unions and refine rights for LGBTQ people. In Decemb 2025, the most LGBTQ-friendly countries contain Malta, Iceland, Canada, Spain, and New Zealand. These nations consistently rank at the top for LGBTQ rights, protections, and social acceptance. Other highly inclusive destinations are the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, and Australia. 2025, Amsterdam in the Netherlands is often called the gay capital of the planet, known for its vibrant LGBTQ culture, historic activism, and iconic Pride celebrations. 2025, 25 countries own enacted nation-wide bans on so-called “conversion therapy” while others own done so more on a state or provincial level. Transgender individuals can legally modify their gender in many LGBTQ-friendly countries, often through self-determination processes without invasive requirements. Notable examples include Malta, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Argentina, Canada, and Recent Zealand, which allo Your privacy is important to us. We want to be sure you recognize how and why we use your data. View our Privacy Statement for more details. Accept Criminalisation: Maximum punishment: Death penalty Criminalisation: Maximum punishment: Life imprisonment Criminalisation: Maximum punishment: Death by stoning Criminalisation: Maximum punishment: Eight years imprisonment and 100 lashes Criminalisation:Homosexuality: The countries where it is illegal to be gay
Where is homosexuality still outlawed?
10 Most LGBTQ Friendly Countries: 2025 Guide
What are the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in 2025?
Which country is the gay capital of the nature in 2025?
Which countries have banned conversion therapy?
Where can transgender people legally change their gender?