While India unshackled from orthodoxy, gay sex is still illegal in these countries

In countries like Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Iran, homosexuality is still punishable by death, under sharia law. Parts of northern Nigeria and Somalia also issue death penalties. Under sharia courts death penalty may also exist in countries like UAE, Pakistan, Afganistan, Qatar, however, there is no evidence that it has been implemented for private same-sex acts between consenting adults. (Image: Reuters)

Mauritius | According to Section 250 of the Penal Code 1838, any individual who engages in sodomy is liable to penal servitude for a duration of not more than five years. Over the years, the Law Reform Commission coupled with pro-gay activists have tried to repeal the outdated law, but in vain. However, in 2017, the government stated that it would address the issue after due consideration, albeit Section 250 will stay. (Image: Reuters)

Singapore | Despite being one of the most forward-thinking nations in the world right now, the society at large remains indifferent to homosexuality. Under section 377A of the Penal Code, "Outrages on decency", sexual behaviour between two or more males is liable to imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years. Other sections such as 354 (Outrage of Modesty) and 294A (Obscene Act) have further unhinged the LGBT community. (Image: Reuters)

Malaysia | The country has gained notoriety over the years for their treatment of homosexuals. The colonial era ban, which stands to date, states that homosexual acts could lead to fines and prison sentences of up to 20 years. It could result in punishment such as caning or flogging. Moreover, Muslim men showcasing sexual behaviour could be charged by special Islamic courts. While the inhumane treatment of gay citizens has stirred the government to start a debate, no political party or elected member of parliament has formally proposed such a reform. (Image: Reuters)

Egypt | While the country has never enacted a direct ban on homosexuality, it has deployed certain supplementary laws, which were framed to combat prostitution, punish gay and bisexual men. Courts have used certain laws to criminalize homosexual relations between consenting adults. Other laws of morality or order-based laws have been used by authorities to fine and prison the uninitiated. While earlier these arrests were far and sporadic, the turn of the 21st century has resulted in a more systematic crackdown. (Image: Reuters)

Jamaica | While the islands adopted the British buggery (anal intercourse) laws, they were rarely acted upon, up until the Victorian era. Even when the country had gained independence in 1962, it did not outlaw the Buggery Law set by the Britishers. According to the law, indulgent parties charged with "gross indecency" are liable to hard labour and a prison sentence of up to 10 years. While the law clearly states the punishment for "gross indecency", the term however, is not defined. It is left to the interpretation of the authorities, who, in some cases could imprison same sex couples for holding hands. (Image: Reuters)

Barbados | Similar to Jamaica, the coastal country has stringent laws against homosexuals. As per 154, Section 9 of the Sexual Offences Act, buggery in some cases, could result in life imprisonment. However, the law is rarely acted upon. The tension in regard to homosexuality spiked in 2018, when Human Rights Watch (HRW) published a report entitled: "I Have to Leave to be me: Discriminatory Laws Against LGBT People in the Eastern Caribbean". The government didn't budge and accused the HRW of trying to impose same-sex marriage in the country. Even the Anglican Bishop of Barbados and Catholic Church have come out in support saying that while they morally oppose homosexuality, governments must respect the rights of all persons, including LGBT people. (Image: Reuters)