LGBT rights in São Tomé and Príncipe
| LGBT rights in São Tomé and Príncipe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Same-sex sexual activity legal? | Legal |
| Discrimination protections | No |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | No |
| Adoption | No |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in São Tomé and Príncipe face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is legal in São Tomé and Príncipe. The nation is one of the 66 signatories to the Joint Statement on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
Laws regarding same-sex sexual activity
Under the Penal Code of São Tomé and Príncipe that took effect in November 2012, same-sex sexual activity is legal. The age of consent is 16 years regardless of sexual orientation.[1][2]
Recognition of same-sex relationships
São Tomé and Príncipe does not recognize same-sex marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships.
Discrimination protections
There is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
International obligations
São Tomé and Príncipe signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on 31 October 1995.[3]
Summary table
| Same-sex sexual activity legal |  Since 2012 |
| Equal age of consent | Since 2012 |
| Anti-discrimination laws in employment only |  |
| Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services | |
| Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (Incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) | |
| Same-sex marriages | |
| Recognition of same-sex couples | |
| Step-child adoption by same-sex couples | |
| Joint adoption by same-sex couples | |
| Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the military |  |
| Right to change legal gender | |
| Access to IVF for lesbians | |
| Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples | |
| MSMs allowed to donate blood | |