title: LGBT rights in Niger
text: # LGBT rights in Niger
  
  Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Niger face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, however LGBT persons face stigmatization among the broader population.
  
  ## Law regarding same-sex sexual activity
  
  Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Niger, but the age of consent is not equal for same-sex and opposite-sex sexual activity. The age of consent is set at 13 years for heterosexuals and 21 years for homosexuals.
  
  ## Recognition of same-sex relationships
  
  Niger does not legally recognize same-sex unions.
  
  ## Discrimination protections
  
  There is no legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
  
  ## Living conditions
  
  The U.S. Department of State's 2010 Human Rights Report found that "there were no known organizations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender persons and no reports of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. However, gay persons experienced societal discrimination."
  
  ## Summary table
  
  * Same-sex sexual activity legal
  * Equal age of consent
  * Anti-discrimination laws in hate speech and violence
  * Anti-discrimination laws in employment
  * Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services
  * Same-sex marriage
  * Recognition of same-sex couples
  * Step-child adoption by same-sex couples
  * Joint adoption by same-sex couples
  * Gays and lesbians allowed to serve openly in the military
  * Right to change legal gender
  * Access to IVF for lesbians
  * Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples
  * MSMs allowed to donate blood
  