Compiled by Richard Ammon GlobalGayz.com February 2012 Introduction Male same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Lesotho—a sharp contrast to South Africa, which completely surrounds the country. Lesotho law does not address sexual orientation. LGBT people face discrimination in employment, housing, access to health care, access to education, or other areas. Homosexual conduct is taboo
The Lesotho Government is a constitutional monarchy. The Prime Minister is head of government and has executive authority. The king serves a largely ceremonial function; he no longer possesses any executive authority and is prohibited from actively participating in political initiatives.
Lesotho is severely afflicted by HIV/AIDS. According to recent estimates, the prevalence is about 29%, one of the highest in the world. The United Nations projects that this will rise to 36% within fifteen years resulting in a sharp drop in life expectancy.
The constitution also protects basic civil liberties, including freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of the press, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of religion. However, male same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Lesotho, but female same-sex sexual activity is legal. Sodomy is prohibited as a common-law offence. It is defined as “unlawful and intentional sexual relationship per anum between two human males”.
Name: Lesotho
Population: 1900000
Capital: Maseru - Pop. 228000
Area: 30355 sq. km/ sq. miles
Language: Sesotho, English
Religion: Christianity
Status of Homosexuality: Illegal for males; legal for females
Telephone Country Code: 266
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