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City in Samarqand Region, Uzbekistan

Is Samarkand LGBTQ+ friendly?

Updated October 2026Sources
1/5Dangerous

Is Samarkand LGBTQ+ friendly?

Sex between men is a crime. There is no visible scene and discretion is essential, including online.

LGBTQ+ laws in Uzbekistan

Socially very conservative; police harassment and entrapment via dating apps are reported. Keep complete discretion.

Status
Same-sex relationships legalNo
Same-sex marriageNo
Civil unions or partnershipsNo
Legal gender changeUnclear
Anti-discrimination lawNo
Legal penaltyMale same-sex acts: up to 3 years' prison (Article 120)

LGBTQ+ friendliness across Uzbekistan

PlaceRating
Tashkent1/5 · Dangerous
Samarkand1/5 · Dangerous
Bukhara1/5 · Dangerous
Khiva1/5 · Dangerous

Quick answers

Is Samarkand safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Sex between men is a crime. There is no visible scene and discretion is essential, including online.

Is same-sex marriage legal in Uzbekistan?

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 Spotted something out of date?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.