21. The Committee regrets the criminalization of sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex, which entails a penalty of up to two years in prison. The Committee is concerned at the deep-rooted stereotypes against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity (art. 26).

The State party should decriminalize sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex in order to bring its legislation in line with the Covenant. The State party should also take the necessary steps to put an end to the social stigmatization of homosexuality and send a clear message that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination against persons based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Link to full text of the report: Concluding Observations-CCPR-Turkmenistan-2012-eng