Laos, Asia

The situation of human rights in Laos has been recognized as a cause for concern since the socialist forces took charge in the 1970's. For gays, penalties, fines and imprisonment have in the past been imposed on Lao citizens who were seen to breach the social norm or become inappropriately intimate with foreigners. However, more recently, gays are quietly becoming visible within Lao society and gay business entrepreneurs and managers are setting the trend with stylish boutique operations. Nevertheless, the government is not going to allow a sex industry to emerge publicly as it has in neighboring countries. The Lao are modest in their behavior and expect visitors to be the same.