Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran
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on the situation of homosexuals all over the world may not be completely
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Updated 98-05-11
I am so disgusted by the laws of this nation! They show an inconceivable contempt for other human beings. The Islamic Penal Code of Iran has extensive and elaborate descriptions of punishments to be imposed for a number of homosexual "offences". To take a few examples, the punishment for two men kissing "with lust" is 60 lashes. The punishment for two men, or two women, not related to each other being under the same cover is up to 99 lashes. For a man rubbing against another man without intercourse, 100 lashes. The penalty for anal intercourse is death! Repeated offences without intercourse would also be punishable by death. To prove sodomy, however, you need the testimony of four righteous men who might have witnessed it; testimonies of women do not count! Punishment for lesbianism is 100 lashes. Repeated offences of lesbianism is punishable by death.
Women have to cover their hair and body up to the wrist and ankles (there is no requirement to cover the face). Examples of other things that are illegal in Iran are dancing, pop music, and drinking alcohol.
This was the legal part of
being homosexual in Iran. It is easy for a westerner to be blinded by the
Sharia laws. Homosexual acts are, however, widespread among Iranians. Why
else would they think of these laws? ;-)
I feel very sad for the
Iranian people who literally live in the 14th century (1998=1377). I do
hope the development of a new, democratic nation will begin soon, free
of the tyranny of the Shahs and Ayatollahs.
If you have any further
information on the current situation in Iran, please contact
me.
| Age of consent | Male-Female | Male-Male | Female-Female |
| Iran | ? | X | X |
Further information on the situation in Iran can be found at:
HOMAN - Sweden-based int'l organization for Iranian gays and lesbians
Iran-e-Azad, Supporters of National Council of Resistance of Iran
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| Statistics:
Islamic republic, Asia
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