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Capital city in Capital Governorate, Bahrain

Is Manama LGBTQ+ friendly?

Updated October 2026Sources
2/5Hostile

Is Manama LGBTQ+ friendly?

Legal for adults since 1976, but socially conservative with no visible scene. Public affection is illegal and arrests still happen.

LGBTQ+ laws in Bahrain

Legal for adults 21+ since 1976, but socially conservative with no visible scene. Public affection is illegal and arrests still happen.

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

Quick answers

Is Manama safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Legal for adults since 1976, but socially conservative with no visible scene. Public affection is illegal and arrests still happen.

Is same-sex marriage legal in Bahrain?

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 Spotted something out of date?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.