Uzbekistan – Sexual Conduct Law
Criminal provisions, penalties, and historic context
📜 Penalties at a Glance – Uzbekistan
| Offence | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Rape (Criminal Code Art. 118) | 5 years | 20 years or life imprisonment |
| Sex with Minor under 16 | 5 years | 20 years |
| Homosexual Acts (Art. 120) | Fine | 3 years imprisonment |
| Sex Work (soliciting, brothels) | Fine | 3 years imprisonment |
| Public Indecency | Fine | 3 years imprisonment |
Overview
Uzbekistan’s sexual conduct laws derive from the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan (1994, amended multiple times). The legal framework emphasizes family morality, protection of minors, and suppression of sex work and homosexuality. Enforcement is inconsistent but can be strict, especially against marginalized groups.
Age of Consent
The age of consent is 16 years. Sexual intercourse with anyone younger is treated as statutory rape. There are no “close-in-age” exemptions.
Key Provisions & Punishments
- Rape (Art. 118): 5–20 years, life for aggravated cases.
- Homosexual Acts (Art. 120): Male same-sex activity criminalised, punishable by up to 3 years. Lesbian relations are not explicitly illegal.
- Sex Work: Buying or selling sex is illegal; police frequently conduct stings.
- Public Decency: Acts of immorality in public may result in fines or imprisonment.
Historic Punishments
Before the Soviet era, Uzbekistan followed Sharia-based punishments, including public flogging and, in rare cases, stoning for adultery. These practices were abolished during Soviet rule but are still remembered culturally. Today, official law does not include corporal punishment, though police harassment and informal intimidation are reported by NGOs.
Historic vs Modern Punishments
| Offence | Historic Punishment (Pre-Soviet/Sharia) | Modern Law (Criminal Code) |
|---|---|---|
| Adultery | Possible stoning or public flogging (rare but recorded) | No criminal offence; may lead to divorce or social sanction |
| Homosexual Acts | Severe religious penalties; could include death under strict Sharia | Criminalised for men (Art. 120); up to 3 years imprisonment |
| Sex Work | Flogging or banishment under Islamic law | Illegal; fines or up to 3 years imprisonment |
| Rape | Severe corporal punishment or execution under Sharia | 5–20 years or life imprisonment (Art. 118) |
Tourist Risks
🚫 Common Tourist Mistakes
- Assuming homosexuality is tolerated: Even private acts can lead to prison.
- Approaching sex workers: Police often run undercover operations.
- Ignoring social norms: Unmarried couples may face harassment in hotels or from police.
- Not verifying age: Strict liability; penalties are severe.
Regional Comparison
| Jurisdiction | Age of Consent | Rape Penalty | Sex Work | Same-Sex Acts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uzbekistan | 16 | Up to life | Illegal | Male homosexual acts illegal (Art.120) |
| Kazakhstan | 16 | Up to 15 years | Illegal | Legal since 1997 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 16 | Up to 20 years | Illegal | Legal since 1998 |
| Tajikistan | 16 | Up to 20 years | Illegal | Legal since 1998 |
References
Republic of Uzbekistan. (2024). Criminal Code, Articles 118, 120.
Human Rights Watch. (2023). Uzbekistan: Criminalization of same-sex relations.
Amnesty International. (2022). Uzbekistan Country Report.
Soviet Legal Codes Archive. (1991). Criminal Law Reforms in Central Asia.