Palestine LGBT Laws

If it is correct that –

1. consensual sex between same-sex couple is lawful (see below); and
2. the Jordanian Penal Code remains in force in the West Bank,

then it may also be that Article 306 of that Code applies and that consensual sex between same sex couples is lawful at age 16 years [R1.1].

As at May 2009, under the British Mandate Criminal Code Ordinance, No. 74 of 1936, which is in force in Gaza, Section 152(2) Unnatural offences provides –

“(2) Anyone who:

(a) commits sexual intercourse with another person against the order of nature, or

(b) commits sexual intercourse with an animal, or

(c) permits or allows the above mentioned acts is considered to have committed a felony punishable by imprisonment for a term of ten years” [R1.1].

Consensual sex between female same-sex couples is not unlawful.

In 1951, the Jordanian Penal Code of 1951, largely modified in 1960 was in force and consensual sex between same-sex couples became lawful [R1.1].