When Azerbaijan became a part of the Soviet Union in 1920, it was subject to rarely enforced Soviet laws criminalizing the practice of sex between men. See also: LGBT history in Russia § Soviet UnionĪfter declaring independence from the Russian Empire in 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic did not have laws against homosexuality. LGBT people face high rates of violence, harassment and discrimination. Activists reported that these detainees were subject to beatings, interrogation, forced medical examinations and blackmail.
In September 2017, reports emerged that at least 100 members of Baku's LGBT community were arrested, ostensibly as part of a crackdown on prostitution. Nonetheless, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is not banned in the country and same-sex marriage is not recognized.Įach year since 2015, ILGA-Europe has ranked Azerbaijan as the worst state (49 out of 49) in Europe for LGBT rights protection, citing 'a near total absence of legal protection' for LGBT individuals. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Azerbaijan since 1 September 2000. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Azerbaijan face legal and social challenges not experienced by non- LGBT residents.
