Cape Town - While gay travellers are officially welcomed by the South African government, homosexuality can lead to life imprisonment and even the death sentence in other countries.
Coinciding with the three-day International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association's annual global convention – held in Africa for the first time, in Cape Town – Weekend Argus researched the worst and best countries for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) travellers.
And for those who wondered how South Africa fared, Cape Town was ranked 19 out of the top 20 gay friendly travel destinations of 2013, according to marketing company Out Now Consulting's research.
Clifton’s Third Beach was described by the company as one of the world's best gay beaches. In 2014, the richest.com, which publishes lists of interesting facts, named South Africa as one of the top ten gay friendly countries in the world and “leaps and bounds ahead of its neighbours”.
THE WORST:
1. Uganda
Same-sex relationships are criminal offences with the maximum penalty life imprisonment. The country's constitutional court declared government plans to impose the death penalty for homosexuality invalid.
2. The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Homosexuals are imprisonment or fined and although rare, the death penalty may be imposed.
3. Nigeria
Considered extremely homophobic countries in the world, homosexuals can be imprisoned.
4. Jamaica
It's described as a “hellhole” for the LGBT community. Viciously attacks and hate speech frequently happen in public.
5. Russia
Imprisonment or deportation can be imposed. Non-traditional sexual relations are banned.
THE BEST:
1. Canada
No other country in the Americas supports gay rights more. EIghty percent of the population accept gay marriages. Same sex marriages have been legal since 2003.
2. Scotland
Gays meccas like Glasgow and Edinburgh are popular. The arts and culture scene in Edinburgh attract huge attention. Gay-owned BLack Kilt tours is a favourite.
3. New Zealand,
There's a strong gay tourism industry and the country actively promotes same sex marriage tourism.
4. Denmark
Denmark is the first nation in world to recognise same sex partnerships in 1989.
5. Iceland
Same sex and heterosexual couples have equal rights with no limitation.
Weekend Argus