| Location Header: | São Tomé and Príncipe |
| Legal Status: | Legal since 2012 |
| Gender Identity Expression: | No |
| Recognition Of Relationships: | No |
| Adoption: | No |
| Military: | No |
| Discrimination Protections: | Yes (sexual orientation only) |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in São Tomé and Príncipe face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female forms of same-sex sexual activity are legal in São Tomé and Príncipe, however LGBT persons face stigmatization among the broader population.
São Tomé and Príncipe was one of the few African states that signed a "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.
Under the Penal Code of São Tomé and Príncipe that took effect in November 2012, same-sex sexual activity is legal. The age of consent is 16 years regardless of sexual orientation or gender.[1] [2]
São Tomé and Príncipe does not recognize same-sex marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships.[3]
There is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Under Article 130(2)(d) of the Penal Code, it aggravates a hate crime in which the motive was the victim's sexual orientation.
In 2019, the Labour Code was passed and it gives the right to employ a person regardless of sexual orientation.
A 2016 poll found that 46% of Sāo Toméans would like or not mind having an LGBT neighbor.[4]