There are 13 countries in the Middle East that criminalize homosexuality. The definition of homosexuality is a romantic attraction, sexual attraction or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. The definition of a crime, however, is an action or activity that is considered to be evil, shameful, or wrong. Many countries in the Middle East find homosexuality an act that is so evil and wrong that the persons accused of such act should be killed. The Middle East must end cruel prejudices against LGBT persons due to the negative effects it could inflict on our future generations and the harm it causes, physically and mentally, for the LGBT community.
LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and is considered …show more content…
No LGBT person in these countries is safe and can usually trust no one. However, in countries like Saudi Arabia the death penalty for sodomy is seldom applied. If one was to visit any of these countries and ask one of the law abiding citizens about their view on homosexuality you would see some flinch or stutter. The former president of Iran even once stated, “In Iran, we don't have homosexuals, like in your country.” (Simmons, 2010) The Middle East is know as being a very religious region and they live up to this image every way they can. However, for muslims, the Quran tends to hint many times at how to respond to homosexuality. The Quran has a section which quotes, “29. What! do ye approach men? (or Do you commit sexual acts with men?) and stop folks on the highway? And approach in your assembly sin?' but the answer of his people was only to say, 'Bring us God's torment, if thou art of those who speak the truth!”(SURA XXIX: 28-35 [On Lot and Sodom]) This interpretation of the Qur’an is symbolizing people that have committed a sin by having sexual relations with persons of the same gender. But, the only thing that the people can say is basically a challenge. They are in a way mocking and saying that if they truly did commit such a blasphemous sin and their accuser is telling …show more content…
America is known as the country of freedom and is thought of to accept everyone the way they are. America doesn’t have a perfect government, but most American’s are aware that certain states have different laws that they hold to different severities. That is usually why some states are more ‘free’ or ‘fun’. For homosexuals and transgenders in the Middle East something similar is in order. A website that offers many different ways in which the Middle East handles the ever-growing number of homosexuals notes, “However, in Lebanon homosexuals enjoy more freedom than anywhere else in the Middle East. Lebanon has gay bars and nightclubs as well as the first association for gay people in the Middle East, which is called the ‘Helem Foundation’.” (Meehan, 2007) This foundation was founded in 2004 and it’s director, Georges Azzi, and it’s mission, “Is to promote gay rights in Lebanon and to help the Ministry of Health support AIDS awareness in the country.” Even though Lebanon is considered to provide the most freedom to LGBT persons, they are probably most prominent in Saudi Arabia which is considered one of the harshest places to live in if gay. In Riyadh, the capital, 46% of Muslim male students are homosexual while in Jeddah, the largest city, over 25% of Muslim male students are homosexual. Some of these men are activist
LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender and is considered …show more content…
No LGBT person in these countries is safe and can usually trust no one. However, in countries like Saudi Arabia the death penalty for sodomy is seldom applied. If one was to visit any of these countries and ask one of the law abiding citizens about their view on homosexuality you would see some flinch or stutter. The former president of Iran even once stated, “In Iran, we don't have homosexuals, like in your country.” (Simmons, 2010) The Middle East is know as being a very religious region and they live up to this image every way they can. However, for muslims, the Quran tends to hint many times at how to respond to homosexuality. The Quran has a section which quotes, “29. What! do ye approach men? (or Do you commit sexual acts with men?) and stop folks on the highway? And approach in your assembly sin?' but the answer of his people was only to say, 'Bring us God's torment, if thou art of those who speak the truth!”(SURA XXIX: 28-35 [On Lot and Sodom]) This interpretation of the Qur’an is symbolizing people that have committed a sin by having sexual relations with persons of the same gender. But, the only thing that the people can say is basically a challenge. They are in a way mocking and saying that if they truly did commit such a blasphemous sin and their accuser is telling …show more content…
America is known as the country of freedom and is thought of to accept everyone the way they are. America doesn’t have a perfect government, but most American’s are aware that certain states have different laws that they hold to different severities. That is usually why some states are more ‘free’ or ‘fun’. For homosexuals and transgenders in the Middle East something similar is in order. A website that offers many different ways in which the Middle East handles the ever-growing number of homosexuals notes, “However, in Lebanon homosexuals enjoy more freedom than anywhere else in the Middle East. Lebanon has gay bars and nightclubs as well as the first association for gay people in the Middle East, which is called the ‘Helem Foundation’.” (Meehan, 2007) This foundation was founded in 2004 and it’s director, Georges Azzi, and it’s mission, “Is to promote gay rights in Lebanon and to help the Ministry of Health support AIDS awareness in the country.” Even though Lebanon is considered to provide the most freedom to LGBT persons, they are probably most prominent in Saudi Arabia which is considered one of the harshest places to live in if gay. In Riyadh, the capital, 46% of Muslim male students are homosexual while in Jeddah, the largest city, over 25% of Muslim male students are homosexual. Some of these men are activist