Top 10 Countries Where Homosexuality Is Illegal: Harsh Penalties From Death To Imprisonment

These laws reflect deeply rooted cultural and religious beliefs, leading to severe consequences for individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. In some cases, punishments include stoning, lashes or even public executions. 

Recently, at his inauguration, American President Donald Trump declared that he would focus solely on two genders, indicating that he would oppose the legalisation of third genders such as transgender or the LGBTQ community. 

List Of Top 10 Countries Where Homosexuality Is Illegal

Here is the list of top countries where Homosexuality is illegal and can lead to penalties like execution, stoning, lashes and imprisonment. 

Six Countries Imposing The Death Penalty For Homosexuality

1. Iran

Countries where homosexuality is illegal (Image: Canva)

In Iran, same-sex relations are illegal and may lead to harsh penalties, including the death penalty. The Islamic penal code of the country categorises these actions as crimes. Males who are found guilty will be sentenced to death, while the females will be punished by flogging( A punishment in which the victim is beaten with a whip or stick). For example, in 2022, two males were executed after they were found engaging in homosexual activities. 

2. Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, according to Sharia law, married men guilty of sodomy or non-Muslims who engage in sodomy with Muslims could be punished by death by stoning if proven by four witnesses or through a confession. In the absence of such evidence, penalties such as imprisonment may be imposed. 

3. Yemen

In Yemen, same-sex relations are against the law and can lead to up to three years of imprisonment and even the death penalty. Article 264 of the penal code makes "sodomy," which is defined as sexual relations between two adult men, a criminal offence. The law for unmarried men is 100 lashes and a year in prison while the married men, if found guilty of homosexuality, will be sentenced to death. The act also prohibits acts of "indecency" or "immorality" between individuals of the same sex, including women. 

4. Mauritania

Mauritania's criminal code, which is based on Sharia law, prohibits sexual relations between individuals of the same gender, and the death penalty may be imposed as a punishment. Muslim men can be stoned for engaging in homosexual sex. However, there has not been any execution since 1987, indicating that the death penalty has not been enforced in recent times. 

5. Brunei

Under the Syariah law, Brunei implemented a new penal code that prescribes death by stoning for homosexual acts. Nonetheless, after global outrage, the Sultan of Brunei declared a suspension on the death penalty, signifying that it would not be implemented. 

6. Nigeria

Nigeria's national law enforces a 14-year jail term for homosexuality. In 12 northern states where Sharia law is implemented, homosexual acts may lead to punishment by death or flogging. Although the death penalty is rarely applied, LGBTQ+ people frequently encounter imprisonment, torture, and extortion by officials, along with harassment from residents. 

Five Countries With Severe Punishments or Unclear Legal Status

7. Afghanistan

Countries where homosexuality is illegal (Image: Canva)

According to the Taliban's interpretation of Sharia law, homosexuality is prohibited and may face the death penalty. The legal standing is ambiguous, yet reports suggest that LGBTQ+ people endure significant oppression. 

8. Pakistan

In Pakistan, homosexuality is illegal according to Section 377 of the Penal Code, which imposes imprisonment for actions deemed "against the order of nature." Although the death penalty is not directly mandated for homosexuality, societal perceptions and legal uncertainties create considerable difficulties for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

9. Qatar

In Qatar, homosexuality is prohibited by the Penal Code, and those found guilty of same-sex activities may be sentenced to prison. Although Sharia law prescribes the death penalty for specific crimes, there is little information regarding its enforcement in cases of homosexuality. 

10. Somalia

Somalia’s Penal Code makes homosexual acts illegal, with punishments that may involve imprisonment. In areas under Al-Shabaab control, rigid interpretations of Sharia law are imposed, and reports suggest that executions have occurred for acts of homosexuality. 

11. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

In the UAE, homosexual acts are illegal and can result in imprisonment, fines, and deportation for non-citizens. While the death penalty is not commonly applied for homosexuality, the legal framework allows for severe punishments under Sharia law. 

 

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