Tier 4 · Criminalized or dangerous
Mali
Newly criminalized under the 2024 penal code; same-sex marriage constitutionally banned since 2023.
- Same-sex activity
- Illegal
- Recognition
- No legal recognition
- Death penalty
- No
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Confidence
- High
- Reviewed
- September 2026
Why this tier
Had no sodomy law before 2024.
Travel advice
Avoid open conduct and any public affection. In death-penalty jurisdictions do not travel openly as a couple, and check FCDO or State Department advice before any trip.
Check the UK FCDO or US State Department advice before you book.
Method
Tiered on the legal status and social acceptance of gay men and LGB people using ILGA World, the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Human Dignity Trust, the Williams Institute, Pew, the Spartacus Gay Travel Index, Equaldex and court rulings. Where two tiers are plausible we choose the more cautious one. How we tier. Last reviewed September 2026.