LGBTQ rights in North Korea

LGBTQ rights in North Korea
Legal statusNever criminalized officially; reported incidents of criminalization
PenaltyNo official penalty; executions for homosexuality reported
MilitaryCelibacy required during initial 10 years of service (for all personnel)
Discrimination protectionsNone
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsNo recognition of same-sex relationships
AdoptionNo

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in North Korea may face social challenges due to their sexuality or gender identity. Homosexuality is not illegal in statute, but instances of criminalization and execution for homosexuality have been reported. Other LGBTQ rights in the country are not explicitly addressed in North Korean law.