Short answer: it depends on the country. In some there is an actual criminal article. In others decriminalised, but the risk goes through blackmail, police, and family. Let us be specific.
Laws across Central Asia and the CIS
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UZB
Art. 120 · up to 3y
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TKM
Art. 135 · up to 2y
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KAZ
decrim. 1998
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KGZ
decrim. 1998
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TJK
decrim, but registry
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RUS
2013 + 2023
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MGL
decrim 1993
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UK
legal
Uzbekistan — Art. 120
Formally
"Sodomy" — up to 3 years. Enforced regularly (Human Rights Watch reports). Proof often via forced medical examination (prohibited by UN, continues in practice).
In practice
Enforcement often runs through police blackmail. You are caught, money is extorted. If you refuse to pay — a case is opened. Actual convictions are fewer than blackmail cases. Blackmail — what to do →
Turkmenistan — Art. 135
Formally
"Sodomy" — up to 2 years. One of the most closed countries in the region. Little information.
In practice
Almost no independent reports. Communication with diaspora suggests wide enforcement through informal channels (family, community, work).
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan — decriminalised
Kazakhstan
Decriminalised 1998. Formally a free country. But since 2024 a Russian-style propaganda bill is under discussion. Risk via blackmail, family, work.
Kyrgyzstan
Decriminalised 1998. But on 14 August 2023 a "propaganda" law was passed (copy of the Russian 2013 law). OSF called it "worse than Russia's".
Tajikistan
Decriminalised 1998. Since 2017 a police registry of 367 LGBT citizens (319 gay men, 48 lesbians). Forced HIV testing as part of "operations".
Russia — 2013 and 2023
2013: "propaganda"
Law against "propaganda of non-traditional relations". First applied to children, then extended to everyone (2022).
30 November 2023: extremism
The Supreme Court declared the "international LGBT movement" extremist. By June 2025 — 20+ criminal cases. First convictions 2024.
July 2023: trans ban
Legal and medical gender transition is banned. Trans people lose access to procedures and documents.
United Kingdom — your rights
Equality Act 2010
Discrimination by orientation or gender is illegal. Work, housing, services, health — you are protected. Hate crime is a criminal offence.
Marriage
Equal marriage since 2013. Civil partnerships since 2005. You have all the rights.
What this means in practice
The risk is not always criminal. In Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan you can formally "be", but the real dangers are family, work, blackmail, hate crime. A criminal article is the extreme case. Daily risks are different. Blackmail → · Parents found out →