Same-gender sexual activity – both for men and women - has always been legal in Burkina Faso. Age of consent is equal, regardless of gender since 1996. However, LGBTQIA+ people in Burkina Faso may still face legal issues. Homosexual relationships and same-gender couples are not legally recognised. The law does not discriminate based on sexual orientation in employment and occupation, housing, statelessness, or access to education or health care but there is no anti-discrimination law protecting sexual orientation in hate speech and violence, employment, nor the provision of goods and services. Single applicants to adopt a child are almost never permitted in Burkina Faso. Changing gender is legal without surgery sterilisation requirements.
Societal discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity remains a problem in Burkina Faso. Religious and traditional beliefs do not accept LGBTQIA+ persons who were reportedly occasional victims of verbal and physical abuse. There are no reports that the government is responding to societal violence and discrimination against such persons. Same-gender sexual activity continues to be a taboo in Burkina Faso, where the existence of LGBTQIA+ people is often completely denied. Public opinion and the media usually consider sexual orientation as a “choice” that reflects a “sexual perversion” or even motivated by “economic incentive” - stigma and discrimination remain high in Burkina Faso. Many men marry and hide their double life. Support groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have popped up, but discretion is the key. There are no reports of government or societal violence against such organisations.
Some of LGBTQIA+ people are forced to leave the country. The displaced people prefer to leave their home country to European or and North American countries.
