The World Bank published an extensive study highlighting the state of equal opportunities for sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQIA+ individuals) across 64 countries worldwide. The study evaluated laws and regulations that constitute the “basis of discriminatory practices and barriers” faced by these individuals, including in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria.
The analysis covered six areas: employment, legal rights, education, access to public services, social protection, civic and political inclusion, and protection from hate crimes and criminalization.
Economic Prosperity Linked to Equality:
The study reveals a close relationship between a country’s economic prosperity and its inclusiveness toward sexual and gender minorities. It emphasizes a correlation between higher levels of human capital, freedom of expression, and accountability in environments that are more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The study also showed that around 55 percent of the sample—35 out of 64 countries—have minimal laws and frameworks supporting equal opportunities for lesbians, gay men, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary individuals. Meanwhile, only three countries were identified as having sufficiently supportive frameworks: Canada, France, and Spain.
In the labor market, the study indicated that 44% of the countries (28 countries) prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, twenty-two countries have established mechanisms for reporting and investigating discrimination complaints on these grounds within the workplace.
Equal opportunity and non-discrimination in employment are essential conditions for building human capital, enhancing productivity, and fostering economic growth. – World Bank
This section concluded that most of the 64 countries covered in the report lack the legal and regulatory frameworks necessary to support equality for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
In the field of education:
Only 31% of the countries in the report explicitly criminalize discrimination in educational settings based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Meanwhile, only seven countries prohibit online bullying and harassment on these grounds, and “fewer than four countries” incorporate inclusive textbooks into their curricula.
In this context, the study found that individuals belonging to, or perceived as belonging to, sexual minorities face higher levels of discrimination, bullying, and violence in school environments. This leads to lower academic achievement and diminished economic success prospects in the future.
Criminalization and Protection from Crimes:
According to the study, 22 out of 64 countries (34%) criminalize individuals based on charges of homosexuality or same-sex sexual practices. Additionally, eight countries criminalize the expression of gender identity, and two countries enforce such criminalization through laws prohibiting the wearing of “opposite gender” clothing.
Hate Crimes:
The report states that 21 countries explicitly criminalize hate crimes motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation, while 17 countries criminalize crimes motivated by the victim’s gender identity or gender expression. Such criminalization is considered a barrier to economic development, as it hinders the participation of sexual and gender minorities in local communities and prevents them from contributing to society.
According to the study, the absence of legal protections against hate crimes exposes sexual and gender minorities to violence, discrimination, harassment, social isolation, and stigmatization within their communities.
Access to Services and Social Protection:
The analysis of this section covered three aspects: healthcare, housing, and social protection. It concluded that only 9 out of 64 countries provide legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The study also highlights the crucial role of civil society organizations focused on LGBTQIA+ individuals in facilitating access to services, describing their role as significant.
Political Participation and Civic Inclusion:
The study found that 29 out of 64 countries have elected representatives at the national level, or ministers and Supreme Court judges, who have openly identified as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, 22% of these countries recognize same-sex marriage, civil partnerships, or what is known as “civil unions.”
Recommendations for Inclusion:
To improve and enhance the inclusion of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender individuals, and non-binary persons, the study calls for decriminalization, the adoption of laws protecting against violence and hate, the recognition of gender identity, and the safeguarding of the freedom to form communities.
