LGBT rights in Libya
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This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2011) |
LGBT rights in Libya  |
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 Libya |
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| Same-sex sexual activity legal? | Illegal |
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Penalty:
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Up to five-year imprisonment |
| Gender identity/expression | – |
| Military service | No |
| Discrimination protections | None |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships |
No |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Libya face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal. Beyond the criminal laws, cross-dressing and homosexuality are widely seen as immoral activities.
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Criminal laws [edit]
The country's criminal code prohibits all sexual activity outside of a lawful marriage. Private homosexual acts between consenting adults are punishable with up to five years' imprisonment.[1]
In the 1990s, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi began to enact "purification" laws designed to enforce a harsh view of Islamic law on the population. Libyan courts were given the power to use amputation, flogging and other cruel punishments against persons found to be violating traditional Islamic morality.[2]
In 2010, the Gay Middle East blog, reported that two adult men had been charged with "indecent acts", which meant cross-dressing and homosexual conduct. [3]
Female homosexuality would also appear to be illegal, as is making any sort of public acknowledgment that a person is gay. In 2010 a French asylum case involved a Libyan girl who sought asylum after being jailed, raped and then returned to her family for a forced marriage after she made a public statement online that she was gay.[4]
Living conditions [edit]
The government does not permit the public advocacy of LGBT rights. When they are discussed, it is always in a negative manner, in keeping with traditional Islamic morality.
In 2003, Gaddafi stated that he believed that it was "impossible" to contract AIDS–HIV through unprotected, heterosexual vaginal sex.[5]
Libyan social attitudes about sexual orientation and gender identity are heavily influenced by Islamic mores. Traditional Islam condemns homosexuality and cross-dressing as they do all expressions of sexuality outside of a traditional marriage.
In February 2012 a Libyan delegate sparked outrage after telling a United Nations human rights panel that gay people threaten the future of the human race.[6]
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ Ottosson, Daniel (May 2010). "State-Sponsored Homophobia – A World Survey of Laws Prohibiting Same Sex Activity Between Consenting Adults" (PDF format; requires Adobe Reader). International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
- ^ Stokke, Hugo; Suhrke, Astri; Tostensen, Arne; Haanæs, Øystein Rygg (1997). Human Rights in Developing Countries: Yearbook 1997 (via Google Books). The Hague: Kluwer International. ISBN 978-90-411-0537-0.
- ^ Littauer, Dan (25 December 2010). "Libya: Two Men Arrested for 'Indecent Acts'. gaymiddleeast.com (via globalgayz.com). Retrieved 15 September 2011.
- ^ Staff (25 October 2010). "Libya: Lesbian To Request Asylum In France". Ansa Mediterranean (via globalgayz.com). Retrieved 15 September 2011.
- ^ Young, Craig (8 March 2011). "Being Gay under Gaddafi". GayNZ.com. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
- ^ Outrage as Libya tells United Nations: 'Gays threaten the future of the human race', 14 February 2012, Daily Mail
