Majority of countries lack explicit laws safeguarding LGBTQ+ youth from bullying, research shows

A significant portion of the global population remains without clear legal protections for LGBTQ+ youth facing school bullying, according to a new report from ILGA World. The organization announced the expansion of its comprehensive database to include a dedicated section on legislation addressing the protection of LGBTQ+ students.

The latest data reveals that only six United Nations (UN) member states have implemented anti-bullying laws that explicitly cover individuals regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC). While many countries acknowledge at least one of these aspects within broader anti-discrimination laws—covering at least 40 nations—the proportion of states with explicit protections remains approximately 20%.

A visual map within the report highlights the global landscape of legal protections, with countries shaded in various hues of blue to indicate the presence of laws safeguarding LGBTQ+ youth from bullying.

“No matter where we start, the core values that underpin our societies—respect, safety, and equality—should ensure that all young people can pursue their education without fear,” stated Gurchaten Sandhu, ILGA World's Director of Programmes. “Yet, for far too many, school bullying is a significant barrier. When governments lag in enacting protective laws, they inadvertently perpetuate this harm, risking not only individual wellbeing but also societal progress.”

Research shows the detrimental impact of bullying on LGBTQ+ students, including adverse effects on mental health and future employment prospects. These consequences heighten social and healthcare costs and undermine economic development. ILGA World emphasizes that meaningful legal protections are vital for fostering inclusive and equitable educational environments.

Most existing legal measures focus on addressing bullying through education and equal treatment laws. These may prohibit harassment based on SOGIESC or require educational institutions to incorporate anti-bullying policies into their codes of conduct. In some instances, legislation specifically criminalizes SOGIESC-based bullying, with France exemplifying this approach by imposing penalties including imprisonment.

“Recognizing school bullying as a distinct form of violence highlights the importance of targeted interventions,” noted ILGA World research consultant Curro Peña Diaz. “Many jurisdictions prefer pedagogical solutions—educating perpetrators and supporting victims—over criminal sanctions, reflecting an understanding of the harmful dynamics involved.”

Despite ongoing challenges, several countries have recently taken steps to protect LGBTQ+ youth from discrimination and bullying. Chile, Estonia, and Ukraine have proposed new legislation, while the Solomon Islands initiated consultations to develop policies considering students’ sexual orientation. Notably, Brazil’s Supreme Court recently mandated that education authorities actively prevent and respond to bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity as part of their legal duty to uphold nondiscrimination.

ILGA World advocates for increased legislative action worldwide, urging governments to follow these positive examples to create safe, inclusive educational spaces for all students. “A collective effort is essential—families, communities, and policymakers must unite to ensure that every young person has access to a high-quality education free from prejudice,” conclude ILGA World’s co-Secretaries General, Kimberly Frost and Yuri Guaiana.

Key highlights from the ILGA World Database include:

• Six UN member states—Andorra, Finland, Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain—have enacted comprehensive laws protecting against bullying across all SOGIESC grounds.
• At least 40 countries have passed laws addressing at least one aspect of SOGIESC, with protections most common for sexual orientation (38 countries), followed by gender identity (30 countries).
• In ten countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, and the United States, protections vary regionally within national borders.
• Legal uncertainties remain in Hungary and Bulgaria, where legislative contradictions or court rulings affect protections’ clarity.