LGBT rights in East Timor
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in East Timor face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in East Timor, but same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples. East Timor and the Philippines are considered as leaders on human rights in Southeast Asia, including LGBT rights, although no legal protections for LGBT citizens have been enacted into law yet. In 2011, the country signed the "joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity" at the United Nations, condemning violence and discrimination against LGBT people. In July 2017, just 15 years after independence, the nation's first ever pride march was conducted with the support of the Timorese Government. Among the participants of the pride march were LGBT citizens, nuns, religious ministers, tribal folks, students, and government officials. The event has been held annually ever since. Law regarding same-sex sexual activity Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1975. The age of consent is 14 regardless of sexual orientation or gender. Recognition of same-sex relationships There is no legal recognition of same-sex unions in East Timor. Discrimination protections There is no legal protection based on sexual orientation or gender identity. There was a clause against discrimination based on sexual orientation included in the original draft of the Timorese Constitution but it was voted out by 52 out of 88 MPs before the Constitution took effect in 2002. However, since 2009, bias on the basis of sexual orientation has been considered to be an aggravating circumstance in the case of crimes (alongside ethnicity, gender, religion, disability, etc.). In April 2019, the Timorese Minister of Legislative Reform and Parliamentary Affairs called for an end to discrimination against LGBT people saying, "Barbaric laws and discriminatory treatment of marginalized groups have to end". Moreover, in response to allegations made in the National Parliament by two MPs, he announced that he would request an official inquiry into allegations of ill-treatment of disabled and LGBT patients at the national hospital in Dili. Living conditions The Roman Catholic Church has a strong influence in the country and was the main opponent to the constitutional clause to protect LGBT people from discrimination. In 2002, when the clause was discussed in Parliament, a prominent Christian politician argued there weren't any gay people in Timor-Leste and called homosexuality a "disease". However, in recent years, many LGBT individuals have also found support within the Catholic Church. While the Church has not taken an official stance in support of LGBT rights, many congregations have got involved to support the community. A Catholic nun volunteered to officiate the 2017 Pride parade with a prayer. Discrimination and violence from family members and the broader society continue to affect LGBT people. A 2017 survey of 57 young lesbian and bisexual women as well as transgender men co-authored by activist Bella Galhos found