Maldives gay
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Last updated: 21 February 2025
Types of criminalisation
- Criminalises LGBT people
- Criminalises sexual activity between males
- Criminalises sexual activity between females
Summary
Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited under the Penal Code 2014, which criminalises ‘unlawful sexual intercourse’ and ‘unlawful sexual contact’. This provision carries a maximum penalty of eight years’ imprisonment. In addition, a punishment of 100 lashes can be imposed under Islamic Sharia. Both men and women are criminalised under this law.
Maldives adopted a fresh Penal Code in 2014 which criminalises same-sex sexual activity, as well as explicitly criminalising same-sex marriage. Maldives also operates a form of Islamic regulation, under which same-sex sexual activity is prohibited.
There is growing evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, with reports of people being arrested for alleged same-sex sexual activity, with some arrests appearing to be politically motivated. However, it is not clear how many people have been prosecuted under th
Although homosexuality is illegal according to the Maldives’ local Islamic law, tourists are mostly exempt during their stay in tourist areas. Similarly, alcohol is also illegal, but you will find plenty of alcoholic drinks to quench your thirst in these resorts!
Therefore, it is essential to be respectful upon your arrival at the airport, during transportation to your resort or when visiting the local areas. However, you can kick help and enjoy each other’s company without any concerns as soon as you reach your resort. The most luxurious part of staying at these overwater bungalows are the level of privacy, making it very alluring for queer couples looking for an escape.
A string of islands located on top of an underwater mountain range, the Maldives is like a magical world of its own. Picture postcard-perfect powdery alabaster beaches set against a coconut trunk skyline. Sounds fabulous? It is!
The Maldives are best famous for the overwater bungalows, allowing you to jump linear out of bed and into the warm Indian Ocean. It is also a snorkelling and diving mecca with underwater caves, rainbow-coloured fish and intricate coral reefs that will leave you spellbound. And thanks
Gay Maldives Guide
The Maldives is made up of 1200 islands in the Indian Ocean and is one of the world’s most beautiful countries but it can be a difficult destination to visit for LGBT travelers. Having said that, many gay couples travel to The Maldives each year - many with our sister company OutOfOffice.com who specialise in luxury gay travel to the Maldives and will glance after everything from your flights to your arrival seaplane or speedboat. The full-service experience in the Maldives is not something that can be easily booked online.
If you want to obtain away from the pressures of day to day life and experience ultimate relaxation, then The Maldives takes some beating.
These islands form a small South Asian sovereign state, the Republic of Maldives. As The Maldives is governed under Islamic law, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death. The Maldives is, however, an increasingly popular destination for LGBT travelers. This may all sound a bit confusing but bear with us.
How Gay-Friendly Is The Maldives?
If you’re in the mainland capital of Male you’ll find that alcohol is banned and public displays of care are not advised, especially for same-sex couples. H
Maldives Gay Guide
The Maldives depends greatly on tourism and locals are generally amiable towards gay travelers. Gay sexual activity is illegal in the country, however, the resorts are not particularly bound by the country's regulations. Nevertheless, since it is a Muslim country, a discrete behaviour is highly recommended when in public.
The gay community of the Maldives is veiled, resulting in the lack of a gay scene. In general, the Maldives is not about partying or exploration of culture, your whole experience will take part in the resort, and you will most probably not interact with any locals, except the hotel's personnel.
The majority of the beaches in the Maldives are private, so among the few public beaches in the country, there are not any exclusively gay. Each hotel has its own private beach where you will enjoy the sun and the sea, and sense comfortable among other tourists.
For more alluring hotels in Maldives urge here!
The Foremost Resorts for Queer Travellers in the Maldives
Even though there are not any exclusively queer hotels in the Maldives, most of