Timor-Leste LGBT Laws

On 07 June 2009, consensual sex between same-sex couples became lawful at age sixteen (16) years [L1.1].

Penal Code. Section IV. Sexual Abuse [L1.1] (Enacted 30 MAR 09, with effect from 07 JUN 09).

Article 177. Penal Code. Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

1. Any person who practices vaginal, anal or oral coitus with a minor aged less than 14 years is punishable with 5 to 20 years imprisonment.

2. Any person who practices any act of sexual relief with a minor aged less than 14 years is punishable with 5 to 15 years imprisonment.

Article 178. Sexual Acts with an adolexcent.

Any person who, being an adult and apart from situations provided in this section, practices any relevant sexual act with a minor aged between 14 and 16 years, taking advantage of the inexperience of the same, is punishable with up to 5 years imprisonment.

In December 2008, Timor-Leste was one of 66 countries that signed the joint UN statement for LGBT human rights [R1.1].

On 13 December 2001, fifty-two of the 88 members of the new Constituent Assembly of East Timor specifically voted to exclude “sexual orientation” from an antidiscrimination clause in the new nation’s draft constitution [R1.2].

Part II Section 16 sub-section 2 provides –

“No one shall be discriminated against on grounds of colour, race, marital status, gender, ethnical origin, language, social or economic status, political or ideological convictions, religion, education and physical or mental condition” [R1.3].

In 1975, consensual sex between same-sex couples became lawful [R1.1].