Latest items for MARR-PRACTICE-4
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:18 p.m.
Countries: Nigeria
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“(iv) Same-sex marriage: Not only are same-sex marriages not recognised in Nigerian law, parliament has also passed the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act criminalising and penalising those who solemnise and witness same-sex marriages” (66).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“(iv) Same-sex marriage: Not only are same-sex marriages not recognised in Nigerian law, parliament has also passed the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act criminalising and penalising those who solemnise and witness same-sex marriages” (66).
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:13 p.m.
Countries: Burundi
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“(i) Constitutional prohibition of same-sex marriage: The constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage is a challenge for same-sex couples to found a family” (40).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“(i) Constitutional prohibition of same-sex marriage: The constitutional prohibition on same-sex marriage is a challenge for same-sex couples to found a family” (40).
Aug. 20, 2026, 2:04 p.m.
Countries: South Africa
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“A diverse array of partnerships are recognised and protected by the law, including customary marriages and samesex marriages. Opposite and same-sex permanent life partnerships are not regulated by statute, but are recognised under the common law and the courts have extended statutory protection to those partnerships, such as those protections found within the Maintenance of Surviving Spouses Act and Intestate Succession Act, on the grounds that there are many valid ways to form families and all are worthy of equal protection of the law. Nonetheless, this piecemeal development of the common law is not ideal and the legislature should intervene to confer full protection of permanent life partners” (71).more
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“A diverse array of partnerships are recognised and protected by the law, including customary marriages and samesex marriages. Opposite and same-sex permanent life partnerships are not regulated by statute, but are recognised under the common law and the courts have extended statutory protection to those partnerships, such as those protections found within the Maintenance of Surviving Spouses Act and Intestate Succession Act, on the grounds that there are many valid ways to form families and all are worthy of equal protection of the law. Nonetheless, this piecemeal development of the common law is not ideal and the legislature should intervene to confer full protection of permanent life partners” (71).more
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:59 p.m.
Countries: Malawi
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“(iii) Same-sex marriage: Marriage in Malawi is restricted to opposite sex couples. Section 14 of the Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Actstatesthat two persons of the opposite sex who are both not below the age of eighteen years, and are of sound mind, may enter into marriage with each other. Similarly, cohabitation is defined as the fact of a man and a woman, not married to each other in accordance with this Act, living together as, or as if they were, husband and wife. Same-sex couples are thus denied the protection of the law and the right to form families” (61).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“(iii) Same-sex marriage: Marriage in Malawi is restricted to opposite sex couples. Section 14 of the Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Actstatesthat two persons of the opposite sex who are both not below the age of eighteen years, and are of sound mind, may enter into marriage with each other. Similarly, cohabitation is defined as the fact of a man and a woman, not married to each other in accordance with this Act, living together as, or as if they were, husband and wife. Same-sex couples are thus denied the protection of the law and the right to form families” (61).
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:58 p.m.
Countries: Kenya
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“(iii) Same-sex marriages: Another aspect to note about the Marriage Act’s definition of marriage is that it limits marriage to a “union of a man and a woman”, thus excluding same-sex marriage. The Constitution also provides that “every adult has the right to marry a person of the opposite sex”. This position was affirmed in the Marriage Act and is inconsistent with broad, progressive and equitable understandings of family” (57-58).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“(iii) Same-sex marriages: Another aspect to note about the Marriage Act’s definition of marriage is that it limits marriage to a “union of a man and a woman”, thus excluding same-sex marriage. The Constitution also provides that “every adult has the right to marry a person of the opposite sex”. This position was affirmed in the Marriage Act and is inconsistent with broad, progressive and equitable understandings of family” (57-58).
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:56 p.m.
Countries: Egypt
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“Women's right to equality is further protected by Article 53 that provides that ‘[c]itizens are equal before the law, possess equal rights and public duties, and may not be discriminated against’ on the basis of, amongst others, sex and any other reason. The inclusion of any other reason can be extended to same-sex couples. Furthermore, the State has to ‘take all necessary measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination, and the law shall regulate the establishment of an independent commission for this purpose’. The family as the basis of society receives constitutional protection under Article 10 of the Constitution” (48).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“Women's right to equality is further protected by Article 53 that provides that ‘[c]itizens are equal before the law, possess equal rights and public duties, and may not be discriminated against’ on the basis of, amongst others, sex and any other reason. The inclusion of any other reason can be extended to same-sex couples. Furthermore, the State has to ‘take all necessary measures to eliminate all forms of discrimination, and the law shall regulate the establishment of an independent commission for this purpose’. The family as the basis of society receives constitutional protection under Article 10 of the Constitution” (48).
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:55 p.m.
Countries: D R Congo
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"However, while the Constitution is overall in favour of women’s rights, Article 40 recognises the family as the basic unit of the human community but only recognises marriages between persons of opposite sexes. This is a regressive provision as it excludes same-sex couples’s right to marry. As a result, women in queer relationships are not afforded the protection of their family or their rights within their family" (46) "Same-sex marriage not recognised: Following the Constitution, Article 330 of the Code of the Family provides that a marriage is only between a man and a woman" (47).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"However, while the Constitution is overall in favour of women’s rights, Article 40 recognises the family as the basic unit of the human community but only recognises marriages between persons of opposite sexes. This is a regressive provision as it excludes same-sex couples’s right to marry. As a result, women in queer relationships are not afforded the protection of their family or their rights within their family" (46) "Same-sex marriage not recognised: Following the Constitution, Article 330 of the Code of the Family provides that a marriage is only between a man and a woman" (47).
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:54 p.m.
Countries: Cote D'Ivoire
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“Same-sex marriage not recognised: Article 1 of Chapter 1 of the 2019 Law on Marriage provides that a marriage is between a man and a woman. This section is prejudicial to same-sex couples who might want to found a family. In this instance, the law would not protect their rights within the family” (45).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“Same-sex marriage not recognised: Article 1 of Chapter 1 of the 2019 Law on Marriage provides that a marriage is between a man and a woman. This section is prejudicial to same-sex couples who might want to found a family. In this instance, the law would not protect their rights within the family” (45).
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:46 p.m.
Countries: Botswana
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“Marriage in Botswana remains reserved for heterosexual couples. Same-sex partners cannot conclude marriages, civil unions, or form permanent life partnerships. As a result, these partners do not enjoy equal protection of the law. However, the High Court in 2019 decriminalised same-sex sexual relations and the Court of Appealconfirmed this decision in 2021. Notably, the High Court held that the word “sex” in Section 3 of the Constitution should be interpreted to include sexual orientation, effectively creating a constitution imperative to protect persons from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The Botswana Democratic Party, currently the ruling party, and the President of Botswana have expressed their support for this decision....more
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“Marriage in Botswana remains reserved for heterosexual couples. Same-sex partners cannot conclude marriages, civil unions, or form permanent life partnerships. As a result, these partners do not enjoy equal protection of the law. However, the High Court in 2019 decriminalised same-sex sexual relations and the Court of Appealconfirmed this decision in 2021. Notably, the High Court held that the word “sex” in Section 3 of the Constitution should be interpreted to include sexual orientation, effectively creating a constitution imperative to protect persons from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The Botswana Democratic Party, currently the ruling party, and the President of Botswana have expressed their support for this decision....more
Aug. 20, 2026, 1:44 p.m.
Countries: Angola
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“In 2021, the new Penal Code was adopted that decriminalises same-sex relationships. This implies that same-sex couples can now engage in same-sex relationships without being subject to criminalisation. Article 238 of the 2021 Penal Code also criminalises polygamy. Article 156 of the 2021 Penal Code allows for abortion in ‘concrete instances such as a grave threat to the health or life of the mother or the fetus or for victims of rape’” (34). “Same-sex marriage not recognised: Article 20 of the Angolan Family Code recognises a marriage as a ‘voluntary union between a man and a woman’. This provision is a challenge for same-sex marriages even if the Penal Code...more
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“In 2021, the new Penal Code was adopted that decriminalises same-sex relationships. This implies that same-sex couples can now engage in same-sex relationships without being subject to criminalisation. Article 238 of the 2021 Penal Code also criminalises polygamy. Article 156 of the 2021 Penal Code allows for abortion in ‘concrete instances such as a grave threat to the health or life of the mother or the fetus or for victims of rape’” (34). “Same-sex marriage not recognised: Article 20 of the Angolan Family Code recognises a marriage as a ‘voluntary union between a man and a woman’. This provision is a challenge for same-sex marriages even if the Penal Code...more
Aug. 31, 2025, 9:08 a.m.
Countries: Chad
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“The law criminalizes same-sex sexual relations, with punishments for conviction ranging from three months’ to two years’ imprisonment and fines ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 CFA francs ($85 to $850)” (Page 18).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“The law criminalizes same-sex sexual relations, with punishments for conviction ranging from three months’ to two years’ imprisonment and fines ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 CFA francs ($85 to $850)” (Page 18).
April 9, 2025, 10:24 p.m.
Countries: Maldives
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"It has to be noted that the issue of unregistered marriages are still on the rise, though there are no mechanism to monitor and record this information. Additionally, there has been cases of some religious scholars preaching to endorse and performing out of court marriages, and have claimed that these are private issues and out of court marriages need to be recognized in the legal system as long as they meet the minimum Shariah requirement for marriage" (16).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"It has to be noted that the issue of unregistered marriages are still on the rise, though there are no mechanism to monitor and record this information. Additionally, there has been cases of some religious scholars preaching to endorse and performing out of court marriages, and have claimed that these are private issues and out of court marriages need to be recognized in the legal system as long as they meet the minimum Shariah requirement for marriage" (16).
Feb. 6, 2025, 7:05 p.m.
Countries: Morocco
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"Marriage verification campaigns are conducted to document marriages in order to preserve women’s rights, which has resulted in a decrease in the number of undocumented marriages" (46). The need for verification campaigns imply the existence of common law marriages (CEC2 - CODER COMMENT).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"Marriage verification campaigns are conducted to document marriages in order to preserve women’s rights, which has resulted in a decrease in the number of undocumented marriages" (46). The need for verification campaigns imply the existence of common law marriages (CEC2 - CODER COMMENT).
Jan. 4, 2025, 12:11 p.m.
Countries: South Korea
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“‘Practicing bihon means you’re eliminating the risks that come from heterosexual marriage or dating,’ Yeowon, a 26-year-old office worker, told me on a café terrace in the seaside southern city of Busan. We talked over coffee and pastries, along with Yeowon’s girlfriend and another of their friends, all of them wearing wide black pants and black sweaters and sporting cropped short haircuts” (para 8). “She went to Sungshin Women’s University, another all-women’s university, for undergrad. She doesn’t believe in labels for her own sexual orientation and has little interest in dating other women, but she does believe in political lesbianism as a way for women to establish lives separate from...more
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“‘Practicing bihon means you’re eliminating the risks that come from heterosexual marriage or dating,’ Yeowon, a 26-year-old office worker, told me on a café terrace in the seaside southern city of Busan. We talked over coffee and pastries, along with Yeowon’s girlfriend and another of their friends, all of them wearing wide black pants and black sweaters and sporting cropped short haircuts” (para 8). “She went to Sungshin Women’s University, another all-women’s university, for undergrad. She doesn’t believe in labels for her own sexual orientation and has little interest in dating other women, but she does believe in political lesbianism as a way for women to establish lives separate from...more
Dec. 5, 2024, 4:37 p.m.
Countries: Norway
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"The Committee remains concerned that the economic rights and social benefits of women living in de facto relationships are not adequately protected in the State party, unless they have common children or have entered into an explicit agreement with their partner. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation (CEDAW/C/NOR/CO/9, para. 49 (b)) and recommends that the State party adopt the legal measures necessary to enhance the economic protection guaranteed to all women living in de facto relationships, by recognizing their rights with respect to the property accumulated during the relationship, in line with the Committee’s general recommendations No. 21 (1994) on equality in marriage and family relations and No. 29 (2013)...more
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"The Committee remains concerned that the economic rights and social benefits of women living in de facto relationships are not adequately protected in the State party, unless they have common children or have entered into an explicit agreement with their partner. The Committee reiterates its previous recommendation (CEDAW/C/NOR/CO/9, para. 49 (b)) and recommends that the State party adopt the legal measures necessary to enhance the economic protection guaranteed to all women living in de facto relationships, by recognizing their rights with respect to the property accumulated during the relationship, in line with the Committee’s general recommendations No. 21 (1994) on equality in marriage and family relations and No. 29 (2013)...more
Nov. 16, 2024, 9:46 p.m.
Countries: Taiwan
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4, ATFPA-PRACTICE-1, DMW-PRACTICE-1, GP-DATA-1
"We [Taiwan] elected an unmarried, childless woman as president and legalized same-sex marriage" (para 2).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4, ATFPA-PRACTICE-1, DMW-PRACTICE-1, GP-DATA-1
"We [Taiwan] elected an unmarried, childless woman as president and legalized same-sex marriage" (para 2).
Nov. 12, 2024, 6:12 p.m.
Countries: South Korea
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“‘Practicing bihon means you’re eliminating the risks that come from heterosexual marriage or dating,’ Yeowon, a 26-year-old office worker, told me on a café terrace in the seaside southern city of Busan. We talked over coffee and pastries, along with Yeowon’s girlfriend and another of their friends, all of them wearing wide black pants and black sweaters and sporting cropped short haircuts” (para 8). “She went to Sungshin Women’s University, another all-women’s university, for undergrad. She doesn’t believe in labels for her own sexual orientation and has little interest in dating other women, but she does believe in political lesbianism as a way for women to establish lives separate from...more
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
“‘Practicing bihon means you’re eliminating the risks that come from heterosexual marriage or dating,’ Yeowon, a 26-year-old office worker, told me on a café terrace in the seaside southern city of Busan. We talked over coffee and pastries, along with Yeowon’s girlfriend and another of their friends, all of them wearing wide black pants and black sweaters and sporting cropped short haircuts” (para 8). “She went to Sungshin Women’s University, another all-women’s university, for undergrad. She doesn’t believe in labels for her own sexual orientation and has little interest in dating other women, but she does believe in political lesbianism as a way for women to establish lives separate from...more
Nov. 5, 2024, 1:02 p.m.
Countries: China
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
""Same-sex couples remain barred from marriage and adoption, and surrogacy is illegal" (para 16).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
""Same-sex couples remain barred from marriage and adoption, and surrogacy is illegal" (para 16).
Oct. 10, 2024, 1:33 p.m.
Countries: D R Congo
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
In the DRC, there is a phenomenon of people cohabitating without legal marriage. Without legal marriage, it is usually the man’s family who gets the inheritance, leaving his widow with nothing. Currently, corrupt officials often ask for more than is required for marriage, whether that is drink, food, or something else. The hoops that couples must jump through to get married incentivizes cohabitation.
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
In the DRC, there is a phenomenon of people cohabitating without legal marriage. Without legal marriage, it is usually the man’s family who gets the inheritance, leaving his widow with nothing. Currently, corrupt officials often ask for more than is required for marriage, whether that is drink, food, or something else. The hoops that couples must jump through to get married incentivizes cohabitation.
March 30, 2024, 2:46 p.m.
Countries: Lithuania
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"Non-traditional forms of family relations are not recognized in the State party… [N]on-traditional forms of family relations other than marriage [are not recognized], including same-sex and de facto unions" (14).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"Non-traditional forms of family relations are not recognized in the State party… [N]on-traditional forms of family relations other than marriage [are not recognized], including same-sex and de facto unions" (14).
Oct. 10, 2023, 12:58 p.m.
Countries: South Korea
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"Meanwhile, couples in non-traditional partnerships also face discrimination; South Korea does not recognize same-sex marriage and regulations make it difficult for unwed couples to adopt" (para 21).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"Meanwhile, couples in non-traditional partnerships also face discrimination; South Korea does not recognize same-sex marriage and regulations make it difficult for unwed couples to adopt" (para 21).
Sept. 25, 2023, 8:02 a.m.
Countries: Guyana
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"Consensual same-sex sexual activity among adult men is illegal under the law and is punishable by up to two years in prison… These laws were not enforced during the year" (11).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"Consensual same-sex sexual activity among adult men is illegal under the law and is punishable by up to two years in prison… These laws were not enforced during the year" (11).
Sept. 22, 2023, 8:51 a.m.
Countries: Angola
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"On January 23, the National Assembly passed a new penal code that decriminalizes same-sex sexual relations and makes it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. At year’s end the penal code, which parliament passed in January, had not been published or entered into force" (22).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"On January 23, the National Assembly passed a new penal code that decriminalizes same-sex sexual relations and makes it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. At year’s end the penal code, which parliament passed in January, had not been published or entered into force" (22).
Aug. 24, 2023, 1:08 a.m.
Countries: Cape Verde
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4, AOM-PRACTICE-1
"[T]he harmful practice of early de facto unions, which amount to child marriage, affecting girls as young as 12 years of age [is a concern]" (5). "[G]irls under 18 years of age sometimes live in de facto unions, which is similar to child marriage... [T]he Civil Code recognizes de facto unions of persons older than 19 years of age who have lived together for at least three years, which in practice legitimizes de facto unions for children as young as 16 years of age" (14).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4, AOM-PRACTICE-1
"[T]he harmful practice of early de facto unions, which amount to child marriage, affecting girls as young as 12 years of age [is a concern]" (5). "[G]irls under 18 years of age sometimes live in de facto unions, which is similar to child marriage... [T]he Civil Code recognizes de facto unions of persons older than 19 years of age who have lived together for at least three years, which in practice legitimizes de facto unions for children as young as 16 years of age" (14).
Aug. 15, 2023, 6:17 a.m.
Countries: Cote D'Ivoire
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4, ATDW-PRACTICE-1
"The Committee appreciates the efforts made by the State party to amend discriminatory provisions of the Criminal Code and of the Marriage Act (CEDAW/C/CIV/4, para. 30). The Committee nevertheless notes with concern that: (a) A high percentage of marriages are not formally registered, leaving women without economic protection upon dissolution of the union" (14).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4, ATDW-PRACTICE-1
"The Committee appreciates the efforts made by the State party to amend discriminatory provisions of the Criminal Code and of the Marriage Act (CEDAW/C/CIV/4, para. 30). The Committee nevertheless notes with concern that: (a) A high percentage of marriages are not formally registered, leaving women without economic protection upon dissolution of the union" (14).
June 27, 2023, 11:16 p.m.
Countries: Algeria
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"The law criminalizes public indecency and consensual same-sex sexual relations between adult men or women, with penalties that include imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of dinars 1,000 to dinars 10,000 ($8.50 to $85). The law also stipulates penalties that include imprisonment of two months to two years and fines of dinars 500 to dinars 2,000 ($4.25 to $17) for anyone convicted of having committed a “homosexual act.” If a minor is involved, the adult may face up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of dinars 10,000 ($85) ... LGBTI status is not, in itself, criminalized; however, LGBTI persons may face criminal prosecution under legal...more
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"The law criminalizes public indecency and consensual same-sex sexual relations between adult men or women, with penalties that include imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of dinars 1,000 to dinars 10,000 ($8.50 to $85). The law also stipulates penalties that include imprisonment of two months to two years and fines of dinars 500 to dinars 2,000 ($4.25 to $17) for anyone convicted of having committed a “homosexual act.” If a minor is involved, the adult may face up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of dinars 10,000 ($85) ... LGBTI status is not, in itself, criminalized; however, LGBTI persons may face criminal prosecution under legal...more
June 18, 2023, 9:21 a.m.
Countries: Malta
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"Malta, which joined the EU in 2004, likes to boast of its liberal credentials. After the (long overdue) legalisation of divorce in the country in 2011, it has since become possible for gay couples to marry, and for transgender people easily to update their birth records to reflect their chosen gender" (Para.11).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"Malta, which joined the EU in 2004, likes to boast of its liberal credentials. After the (long overdue) legalisation of divorce in the country in 2011, it has since become possible for gay couples to marry, and for transgender people easily to update their birth records to reflect their chosen gender" (Para.11).
Jan. 6, 2023, 4:36 p.m.
Countries: Australia
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"A couple can still be in a de facto relationship, even if they don't live together, according to a precedent-setting court ruling. The landmark ruling, from the High Court of Australia, also means judges can deem a couple has involuntarily broken up if one person is self-serving enough to 'not make necessary allowances' for their partner" (para 1-2). "The significant case, named Fairbairn v Radecki, looked at what exactly constituted the breakdown of a de facto relationship. It also has implications for married couples that might be keeping a mistress on the side after the High Court ruled a couple does not need to be living together for the law...more
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4
"A couple can still be in a de facto relationship, even if they don't live together, according to a precedent-setting court ruling. The landmark ruling, from the High Court of Australia, also means judges can deem a couple has involuntarily broken up if one person is self-serving enough to 'not make necessary allowances' for their partner" (para 1-2). "The significant case, named Fairbairn v Radecki, looked at what exactly constituted the breakdown of a de facto relationship. It also has implications for married couples that might be keeping a mistress on the side after the High Court ruled a couple does not need to be living together for the law...more
Dec. 26, 2022, 5:35 p.m.
Countries: Qatar
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4, MARR-LAW-2
"[Qatar is] a place where homosexuality is illegal and even punishable by death" (para 2).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4, MARR-LAW-2
"[Qatar is] a place where homosexuality is illegal and even punishable by death" (para 2).
March 25, 2022, 8:54 p.m.
Countries: United Arab Emirates
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4, MARR-LAW-2
"Both civil law and sharia criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity. Under sharia individuals who engage in consensual same-sex sexual conduct could be subject to the death penalty. Dubai’s penal code allows for up to a 10-year prison sentence for conviction of such activity, while Abu Dhabi’s penal code allows for up to a 14-year prison sentence. There were no reports of arrests or prosecutions for consensual same-sex activity" (32).
Variables: MARR-PRACTICE-4, MARR-LAW-2
"Both civil law and sharia criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity. Under sharia individuals who engage in consensual same-sex sexual conduct could be subject to the death penalty. Dubai’s penal code allows for up to a 10-year prison sentence for conviction of such activity, while Abu Dhabi’s penal code allows for up to a 14-year prison sentence. There were no reports of arrests or prosecutions for consensual same-sex activity" (32).