LGBT Rights Index Score 2017
LGBT Rights Index Score assesses legal protections and societal attitudes towards LGBT individuals in a country.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
- #1
Malta - #2
Netherlands - #3
Sweden - #4
United Kingdom - #5
South Africa - #6
Norway - #7
Finland - #8
New Zealand - #9
Spain - #10
Belgium
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #192
Nigeria - #191
Saudi Arabia - #190
Yemen - #189
United Arab Emirates - #188
Iran - #187
Uganda - #186
Sudan - #185
Qatar - #184
Algeria - #183
Lebanon
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2017, the LGBT Rights Index Score was led by Malta with a score of 13, reflecting the most inclusive legal protections and societal attitudes towards LGBT individuals. The global range spanned from -3.77 to 13.00 across the 192 countries assessed. The average score stood at 2.49, while the median was slightly lower at 2.07, indicating a varied landscape in LGBT rights worldwide.
Legal Protections and Societal Attitudes
The top-performing countries in the LGBT Rights Index Score—Malta, Sweden, and Netherlands—highlight regions where progressive legal frameworks and positive societal attitudes are well-established. Malta's score of 13 is a testament to its comprehensive legal protections, including anti-discrimination laws and recognition of same-sex relationships. Similarly, Sweden and Netherlands, both scoring 11, have long been at the forefront of LGBT rights, supported by strong legislative measures and public acceptance.
In contrast, countries like Nigeria and Saudi Arabia scored the lowest, with scores of -3.77 and -3.51 respectively. These scores reflect a lack of legal protections and widespread societal discrimination. In these regions, punitive laws against LGBT individuals are prevalent, and cultural norms are less accepting of diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity.
Regional Disparities and Economic Context
Examining the data reveals distinct regional disparities in the LGBT Rights Index Score. High scores in Western Europe and parts of Oceania, such as New Zealand with a score of 10.80, are often correlated with higher levels of economic development and urbanization. These countries typically have robust democratic institutions that support minority rights and ensure legal protections for LGBT communities.
Conversely, many of the lowest-scoring countries, including Yemen and United Arab Emirates, with scores of -2.61 and -2.57 respectively, face challenges such as political instability and economic constraints. These factors can limit the implementation of progressive policies and foster environments where traditional values dominate.
Year-over-Year Changes and Policy Shifts
The year 2017 saw notable changes in the LGBT Rights Index Score for several countries. Germany experienced the most significant increase, with its score rising by 3.00 points to reflect a 44.9% improvement. This leap can be attributed to the legalization of same-sex marriage, which marked a pivotal shift in the country's legal landscape.
Other countries like Peru and Australia also showed substantial increases, with scores rising by 2.00 and 1.32 points, respectively. These changes were primarily driven by enhanced legal recognition of LGBT rights and increased public advocacy.
On the downside, Paraguay and Belarus saw the largest decreases in their scores, dropping by 0.97 and 0.95 points. These declines may reflect policy reversals or increased societal pushback against LGBT rights, underscoring the fragility of progress in certain regions.
Implications for Future Progress
The 2017 LGBT Rights Index Score provides critical insights into the global state of LGBT rights, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. The disparities between countries with high scores, such as Spain with a score of 10.34, and those with low scores, like Algeria at -2.36, underscore the importance of continued advocacy and policy development.
Progressive countries serve as benchmarks for others, illustrating the positive impacts of inclusive policies on societal well-being. However, the data also reveals that advancements are not uniform, and setbacks remain a possibility in regions where rights are not yet firmly entrenched. As the global community moves forward, understanding these dynamics will be crucial in shaping strategies to promote equality and protect LGBT rights worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions About LGBT Rights Index Score in 2017
Which country had the highest LGBT Rights Index Score in 2017?
Malta had the highest LGBT Rights Index Score in 2017 with a score of 13.
What was the lowest LGBT Rights Index Score recorded in 2017?
The lowest LGBT Rights Index Score in 2017 was -3.77, recorded by Nigeria.
What was the average LGBT Rights Index Score across all countries in 2017?
The average LGBT Rights Index Score across all countries in 2017 was 2.49.
What was the median LGBT Rights Index Score in 2017?
The median LGBT Rights Index Score in 2017 was 2.07.
Which countries were in the top 3 for LGBT Rights Index Score in 2017?
The top 3 countries for LGBT Rights Index Score in 2017 were Malta with 13, Sweden with 11, and the Netherlands with 11.
How many countries were included in the LGBT Rights Index Score dataset for 2017?
The dataset for the LGBT Rights Index Score in 2017 included 192 countries.
Insights by country
Monaco
In 2017, Monaco achieved an LGBT Rights Index Score of 3.0718768, ranking #63 out of 192 countries. This score places Monaco below the regional average for Western Europe, where many countries have made significant strides in LGBT rights. The relatively low score can be attributed to Monaco's conservative social policies and the influence of its Catholic heritage, which impact the legal protections and recognition afforded to the LGBT community.
Uganda
In 2017, Uganda had an LGBT Rights Index Score of -2.5374541, ranking #187 out of 192 countries. This score places Uganda among the lowest globally, reflecting a significant divergence from more progressive nations in the region.
The country’s stringent anti-LGBT laws, including severe penalties for same-sex relationships, are driven by a combination of cultural conservatism and political rhetoric that often targets the LGBT community. Additionally, Uganda's legal framework lacks protections for sexual minorities, contributing to widespread discrimination and social stigma.
Tunisia
Tunisia ranked #166 with an LGBT Rights Index Score of -1.295133 in 2017. This score places Tunisia among the lowest globally, reflecting significant challenges in LGBT rights when compared to many neighboring countries in North Africa and the Middle East. The country's legal framework criminalizes same-sex relationships, which is a major driver of its low score, compounded by social stigma and limited legal protections for LGBT individuals.
Rwanda
In 2017, Rwanda had an LGBT Rights Index Score of -0.9281232, ranking #164 out of 192 countries. This score places Rwanda among the lowest in the world, reflecting significant barriers to LGBT rights compared to regional neighbors like Uganda, which also ranks poorly. The country's restrictive legal environment, shaped by conservative cultural attitudes and historical factors, contributes to this low score, limiting the rights and freedoms of LGBT individuals.
Togo
Togo ranked #135 with an LGBT Rights Index Score of -0.27121013 in 2017. This score places Togo below many of its West African neighbors, reflecting regional trends where LGBT rights are often limited. Key factors influencing this score include restrictive laws against homosexuality and societal stigma, which hinder the advancement of LGBT rights in the country.
North Macedonia
In 2017, North Macedonia achieved a LGBT Rights Index Score of 2.0718768, ranking #96 out of 192 countries. This score is below the average for Eastern Europe, reflecting challenges in legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals compared to neighbors like Kosovo, which ranks higher. Key drivers for this low score include cultural conservatism and limited legislative progress on LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting the need for greater advocacy and policy reform in the country.
United Arab Emirates
In 2017, the United Arab Emirates had an LGBT Rights Index Score of -2.5668297, ranking #189 out of 192 countries. This score places the UAE among the lowest globally, reflecting a stark contrast to more progressive nations in the region. The country's stringent laws against homosexuality, influenced by cultural and religious norms, significantly contribute to this low ranking, with severe penalties for same-sex relationships.
Mexico
In 2017, Mexico achieved an LGBT Rights Index Score of 6.133973, ranking #33 out of 192 countries. This score is notably higher than that of many Latin American neighbors, reflecting a progressive legal framework in some areas, such as same-sex marriage, which is recognized in several states. However, challenges remain due to widespread discrimination and violence against the LGBT community, stemming from deeply rooted cultural attitudes and regional disparities in acceptance.
Norway
In 2017, Norway achieved an LGBT Rights Index Score of 10.880821, ranking #6 out of 192 countries. This score places Norway significantly above the global average for LGBT rights, reflecting its progressive stance compared to many nations worldwide. Key drivers of this high score include comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, legal recognition of same-sex relationships, and a strong cultural acceptance of LGBT individuals within Norwegian society.
Luxembourg
In 2017, Luxembourg achieved a notable LGBT Rights Index Score of 8.071877, ranking #22 out of 192 countries. This score positions Luxembourg above the global average, reflecting its progressive stance on LGBT rights compared to many neighboring countries. Key drivers of this high score include robust anti-discrimination laws and a strong commitment to equality, supported by a diverse and inclusive society that prioritizes human rights.
Data Source
LGBT+ Rights Index | Our World in Data
Our World in Data is a research organization that focuses on providing comprehensive data and visualizations on various global issues. The LGBT+ Rights Index offers country-level statistics on the legal rights and social acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals across different nations.
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