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City in Littoral, Benin

Is Cotonou LGBTQ+ friendly?

Updated October 2026Sources
3/5Tolerant, but be discreet

Is Cotonou LGBTQ+ friendly?

Same-sex acts are not criminalized, but social attitudes are conservative and there is no visible scene.

LGBTQ+ laws in Benin

Same-sex acts are not criminalised, but social attitudes are conservative and there is no legal protection; be discreet.

Status
Same-sex relationships legalYes
Same-sex marriageNo
Civil unions or partnershipsNo
Legal gender changeNo
Anti-discrimination lawNo

LGBTQ+ friendliness across Benin

PlaceRating
Cotonou3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet
Ouidah3/5 · Tolerant, but be discreet

Quick answers

Is Cotonou safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Same-sex acts are not criminalized, but social attitudes are conservative and there is no visible scene.

Is same-sex marriage legal in Benin?

No.

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Sources

Ratings combine national law with local attitudes and the scene. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.