According to data released by ILGA Europe, which annually analyses and classifies in its Rainbow Map the legal, social and political situation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex (LGBTI) people in 49 European countries, Portugal has fallen from the 4th place to 9th place in 2021.

The initiative serves to mark the International and National Day to Fight Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, which is celebrated on May 17, and demonstrates that important steps have been taken in the rights of LGBTI people in several countries.

Portugal gained 62% (out of 100%) overall, reaching the maximum score in terms of public space - on which it is mentioned that LGBTI activists are not at risk, there are no limits to freedom of expression or that associations can work without any obstruction by the state – and the lowest score (33%) on asylum.

On this specific issue, ILGA Europe states that Portugal needs public policies and other measures in terms of asylum that “contain express reference to all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expression and sexual characteristics”.

ILGA Europe also makes other recommendations to Portugal so that the situation of LGBTI people improves, namely the end of so-called conversion therapies in terms of sexual orientation and gender identity and the clarification of the legal ban on intersex genital mutilation.