The issue of equal rights has been controversial and has struggled for centuries. It was found in May 2016 that there are 79 countries where it is still illegal to participate in homosexual acts, or “acts against nature”, as some countries refer to them. While this is horrible per se, the real terror in this is the different ways of punishment in these countries for participation in homosexual acts. In this selection 10 of these countries are highlighted, and the different punishments possible to receive for homosexual acts there, that is to say, 10 countries that condemn and punish homosexuals. Source: estatelearning.com
10. JAMAICA
Jamaican law refers to “sodomy” as a punishable offense 10 years behind bars in some cases. In fact, in Montego Bay in 2013, a teenager was caught up as a woman (dressed) at a street party and was violently beaten and killed for it. Unfortunately, this kind of reaction is not unique to Jamaica, or even to countries where homosexuality is illegal. They still have a law to openly support those against in the country.
9. KENYA
They have multiple sections in the penal code that classify violent indecent assault, homosexual acts, or “carnal understanding” as crimes, whether committed in public or private, and are said to be punishable by law. Anyone caught participating in certain sexual acts with a person of the same sex, could face between 5 and 21 years of prison for the act. It is even possible to face charges of trying to convince someone to commit homosexual acts together. If the individual is suspected of being gay in Kenya, it is even possible to undergo a forced anal examination to prove this, which many activists are referring to as inhumane and possibly torture.
8. EGYPT
While being gay in Egypt is not technically illegal, the country has many laws regarding sexual conduct that are punishable by law if not respected by citizens. Many of these sexual conduct laws can be applied to homosexual acts, and unfortunately police raids and arrests are not uncommon. There have been cases of groups of men being accused of acts of debauchery, also known as “extreme indulgence in sensuality.” Basically they were arrested for having a consensual orgy.
7. SOUTHERN SUDAN
While South Sudan has only recently gained its independence from Sudan, laws and penalties under the penal code seem to follow Sudan very closely when it comes to homosexuality. Classified specifically as sodomy, it is banned in the country and punishable by law. Those who do not respect the law can get up to 10 years in prison. However, this goes even further than prison time. Visas may be denied to those believed to be entering the country for purposes of homosexuality or lesbianism. Those in South Sudan who break the law may also face a fine, while in Sudan it could even be killed.
6. NIGERIA
Sharia law is still present in parts of Nigeria in Africa. While the double standard is not as black and white here, it is still present. For homosexual acts in some states, women can receive lashes or time in prison, while men can be punished with death. In other states, you may still face imprisonment for participating, or a slightly lighter jail sentence for even attempting to participate in homosexual acts. Nigerians are also prohibited from joining clubs or organizations that support or encourage homosexual rights, possibly staying 10 years behind bars if they ignore this law.
5. YEMEN
Yemen has a very specific and disturbing criminal code to the extent that homosexual rights follow, especially when considering the double standard (couple). 2 different articles in their law define the exact homosexual acts and punishments based on gender and situation. Homosexuality among men, or anal penetration, is punishable by imprisonment or flogging if they are not married, or death by stoning to married men. Homosexual acts between women, or “friction stimulation,” are punishable by up to 3 years in prison if premeditated, or up to 7 years for the perpetrator if the offense was committed “under arrest.”
4. MAURITANIA
Muslim men are specifically called and mentioned in their penal code, which explains that those caught participating in a “act against nature” with a person of the same sex can be punished with the death penalty. Even more terrifying, they list the death penalty specifically through public stoning. It is imagined that in this way, anyone in the area who may be considering acting in accordance with their feelings can see the brutal punishment they receive. Fortunately, this is just one of several African countries where the death penalty is involved.
3. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
They also accuse those caught committing homosexual acts to death, generally committing their execution to form and a decapitation. There have been cases of lesbians in Bulgaria and Lebanon actually being deported after spending a month in prison. One has to wonder what they did to receive the punishment. They were charged with unnatural hugs and kisses in public.
2. IRAN
Anti-homosexual laws in Iran can vary very dramatically depending on the situation. It is possible to be accused of kissing someone of the same sex in public and receive punishment of up to 60 lashes. So if the individual is found guilty or caught in a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex, it is possible to receive the death penalty for the actions. In 2005, two young men were killed after being accused of involvement in homosexual acts. They were even executed between many letters and protests from different nations and activists condemning the harsh sentence.
1. SAUDI ARABIA
Technically, the country condemns violators of its anti-homosexual laws to death, like many other countries, but they have had very few public executions, thanks to the Internet. This includes one in 2000, where a person was publicly decapitated with a sword. It is planned the public punishment with stoning and lashing, both forms being written as anti-homosexual punishments in the country as well. With the rise of the Internet and social media, authorities are now even complaining to punishment of those making these publications online.
