LGBT topics and Islam

Islamic views on homosexuality' are influenced by the rulings prescribed by the Qur'an and the teachings of the Islamic prophet Muhammed. The mainstream interpretation of Qur'anic verses and hadith condemn sexual acts between members of the same sex.
The Qur'an cites the story of the "people of Lot" (also known as the Sodomites) who were destroyed by the wrath of Allah because they engaged in homosexual acts. The legal punishment for sodomy has varied among juristic schools: some prescribe capital punishment; while other prescribe a milder discretionary punishment. Homosexual activity is a crime and forbidden in most Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, etc. In some relatively secular or multi-religious Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia, Jordan and Turkey this isn't the case. Despite this, homoerotic themes were present in poetry and other literature by some Muslims which celebrated male love, and were more common than expressions of attraction to women.Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World, MacMillan Reference USA, 2004, p.316
Writer Irshad Manji, a lesbian herself and a staunch critic of orthodox Islam, is of the opinion that homosexuality is permissible within Islam; however, this remains a minority viewpoint. Within the Shi'a school of thought in Islam, the Ayatollah Khomeini has argued the legality of sex-change operations if a man is homosexual, and feels effeminate.'No homosexuality here' Brian Whitaker, Guardian.co.uk
The traditional tolerance, literary and religious, for pederastic love affairs which according to Khaled El-Rouayheb had been prevalent since the 800's began to be eroded in the mid-1800s by the adoption of European Victorian attitudes by the new Westernized elite.(El-Rouayheb, 2005, p. 156)
Eminent scholars of Islam, such as Sheikh ul-Islam Imam Malik, Imam Shafi amongst others, ruled that Islam disallowed homosexuality and ordained capital punishment for a person guilty of it.Homosexuality and Lesbianism: Sexual Perversions Fatwa on Homosexuality from IslamOnline.net
==Rulings in the Islamic Law==
Homosexual behaviour (Liwat) - or sexual acts between members of the same sex - is considered to be adultery, being sex with an illicit partner. A person who performs such actions (Luti) is regarded as "corrupt" because he challenges the harmony of the sexes and God's creation. Homosexual behaviour is therefore regarded as a revolt against God.Wayne Dynes, Encyclopaedia of Homosexuality, New York, 1990
===Qur'an===
The Qur'an is the central text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the revelation of God,.
 The Qur'an proclaims Islam as the "religion of nature," and sanctifies and encourages sexual intercourse within marriage only. The mainstream interpretation of Qur'anic verses explicitly condemns homosexual behaviour: 
Homosexual behaviour is further mentioned in the parable of the "people of Lut or Lot" (also known as the Sodomites in Judeo-Christian religious texts) who were destroyed by the wrath of Allah because they repeatedly transgressed the bounds of God.Duran (1993) p. 179Kligerman (2007) pp. 53-54 The behaviour of these unbelievers was considered evil in general due to inhospitality and robbery, mistreatment of strangers and rape. It was their homosexual behaviour, however, which was seen as symptomatic of their attitudes:
The doings of the people of Lut became proverbial, alluding specifically to homosexual behaviour, while the Arabic words for homosexual behaviour and for a person who performs such actions both derive from Lut's name.
===Hadith===
The Hadith, which are oral traditions relating to the words and deeds of Muhammad and regarded as important tools for determining the Muslim way of life by all traditional schools of jurisprudence, also contain numerous statements condemning homosexuality.
Another Hadith narrative reports Muhammad as having said, "No man should look at the private parts of another man, and no woman should look at the private parts of another woman, and no two men sleep [in bed] under one cover."
One narrative, attributed as part of Muhammad's farewell speech, says, "Whoever has intercourse with a woman and penetrates her rectum, or with a man, or with a boy, will appear on the Last Day stinking worse than a corpse; people will find him unbearable until he enters hell fire, and God will cancel all his good deeds."Duran, K. (1993) "Homosexuality in Islam" p. 182. Cited in: Kligerman (2007) p. 54
Another widely reported hadith (from Sunan al-Tirmidhi, which is one of the Sunni Six major Hadith collections) reports Prophet Muhammed as having prescribed the death penalty for homosexuality while saying "Whoever you find committing the sin of the people of Lut, kill them, both the one who does it and the one to whom it is done."
===Rulings by scholars of Islam===
Based on the principles of the Qur'an and the Hadith, several eminent scholars of Islam, such as Imam Malik, Imam Shafi, Ahmad and Ishaaq have ruled that the person guilty of homosexuality should be stoned regardless of his married or unmarried nature. 
Ibn Kathir's commentary on the words of Qur'an with respect to homosexuality are,
Ibn al-Qayyim is reported to have said,
Ahmad Kutty, senior lecturer and Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in his lectures on the subject has expressed the view a Muslim practicing homosexuality needs to give it up since it is considered "one of the most abominable sins in Islam".How to Give Up Homosexuality by Ahmad Kutty Muslims like Dr. Nadia El-Awady, the Health & Science Editor at IslamOnline, have attempted to discuss and understand homosexuality in an IslamicIslamic Stance on Homosexuality, by Nadia El-Awady, IslamOnline.net as well as a scientific light,Diseases Related To Homosexuality, by Nadia El-Awady, IslamOnline.net citing its apparent ill-effects for the Islamic as well as the moral society.Homosexuality in a Changing World: Are We Being Misinformed? by Nadia El-Awady, IslamOnline.net The Islamic UK-based group, the Shari'ah Court of the UK has issued a fatwaUK Fatwa for 'gay Jesus' writer October 29, 1999, BBC News calling for a death sentence for playwright Terrence McNally for depicting Jesus and his followers as a group of homosexuals. Many scholars of Shari'a, or Islamic law, interpret homosexuality as a punishable offence as well as a sin. There is no specific punishment prescribed, however, and this is usually left to the discretion of the local authorities on Islam.Duran, K. (1993) "Homosexuality in Islam" p. 184. Cited in: Kligerman (2007) p. 54
However, there do exist some dissenting opinions amongst Ulema. Mohamed El-Moctar El-Shinqiti, a contemporary Mauritanian scholar, has argued that "[even though] homosexuality is a grievous sin...[a] no legal punishment is stated in the Qur'an for homosexuality...[b] it is not reported that Prophet Muhammad has punished somebody for committing homosexuality...[c] there is no authentic hadith reported from the Prophet prescribing a punishment for the homosexuals..." He argues that both hadiths on stoning and killing homosexuals are weak: Hadith scholars such as Al-Bukhari, Yahya ibn Ma`in, An-Nasa'i, Ibn Hazm, Al-Tirmidhi, and others impugned the two hadiths. 	Threats to Behead Homosexuals: Shari`ah or Politics? by Mohamed El-Moctar El-Shinqiti, IslamOnline.net 
Abu Bakr Al-Jassas (d. 370 AD/981 AH) argued that the hadiths on killing homosexuals "are not reliable by any means, and no legal punishment can be prescribed based on them." Ibid.
== References in Arabic and other literature==
According to the Encyclopedia of Islam and the Muslim World
Whatever the legal strictures on sexual activity, the positive expression of male homeoerotic sentiment in literature was accepted, and assiduously cultivated, from the late eighth century until modern times. First in Arabic, but later also in Persian, Turkish and Urdu, love poetry by men about boys more than competed with that about women, it overwhelmed it. Anecdotal literature reinforces this impression of general societal acceptance of the public celebration of male-male love (which hostile Western caricatures of Islamic societies in medieval and early modern times simply exaggerate). .... .
In a tradition from the Arabian Nights, Muhammad was said to have warned his followers against staring at youth because of their beauty: "Do not gaze at beardless youth, for they have eyes more tempting than the houris." Murray and Roscoe, 1997, p. 90
==Legal status in modern Islamic nations==
Homosexuality is a crime and forbidden in most Islamic countries, Saudi Arabia, Iran, etc. This is not the case in some secular or multi-religious Islamic countries, Albania, Indonesia and Turkey being examples. However, the governments of Albania, Indonesia, and Turkey are presidential representative democratic republics and are not Islamic Republics, like in the case of Iran.
Same-sex intercourse officially carries the death penalty in several Muslim nations: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Mauritania, northern Nigeria, Sudan, and Yemen.ILGA:7 countries still put people to death for same-sex actsHomosexuality and Islam - ReligionFacts
It formerly carried the death penalty in Afghanistan under the Taliban. The legal situation in the United Arab Emirates is unclear. In many Muslim nations, such as Bahrain, Qatar, Algeria and the Maldives, homosexuality is punished with jail time, fines, or corporal punishment. In some Muslim-majority nations, such as Turkey, Jordan, Indonesia or Mali, same-sex intercourse is not specifically forbidden by law. In Egypt, openly gay men have been prosecuted under general public morality laws. (See Cairo 52.) On the other hand, homosexuality, while not legal, is tolerated to some extent in Lebanon, and has been legal in Turkey for decades.
In Saudi Arabia, the maximum punishment for homosexuality is public execution, but the government will use other punishments—e.g., fines, jail time, and whipping—as alternatives, unless it feels that homosexuals are challenging state authority by engaging in LGBT social movements.Is Beheading Really the Punishment for Homosexuality in Saudi Arabia? Iran is perhaps the nation to execute the largest number of its citizens for homosexuality. Since the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, the Iranian government has executed more than 4,000 people charged with homosexual acts. In Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban, homosexuality went from a capital crime to one that it punished with fines and prison sentence.
Most international human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, condemn laws that make homosexual relations between consenting adults a crime. Since 1994, the United Nations Human Rights Committee has also ruled that such laws violated the right to privacy guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. However, most Muslim nations (except for Turkey, which has been ruled by secular law since 1856 and recently has modernized its laws in order to meet the requirements of entry to the European Union) insist that such laws are necessary to preserve Islamic morality and virtue. Of the nations with a majority of Muslim inhabitants, only Lebanon has an internal effort to legalize homosexuality.Helem
===Homosexuality laws in Muslim countries===
Country 	Laws against homosexuality 	Penalty 	Same-sex Unions 	Laws against discrimination 	Adoption
Afghanistan 	No 	- 	No 	No 	?
? - Unsure if homosexuality is a crime or not since the country is undergoing a period of relative chaos due to the continuing battles between NATO forces and the resurgent Taliban, but the death penalty (imposed under the Taliban) is no longer enforced. The Penal Code from 1976 in force, stipulates long imprisonment for adultery and pederasty. and LGBT rights in Afghanistan. 	? - Unsure if homosexuality is a crime or not since the country is undergoing a period of relative chaos due to the continuing battles between NATO forces and the resurgent Taliban, but the death penalty (imposed under the Taliban) is no longer enforced. The Penal Code from 1976 in force, stipulates long imprisonment for adultery and pederasty. and LGBT rights in Afghanistan. 	? - Unsure if homosexuality is a crime or not since the country is undergoing a period of relative chaos due to the continuing battles between NATO forces and the resurgent Taliban, but the death penalty (imposed under the Taliban) is no longer enforced. The Penal Code from 1976 in force, stipulates long imprisonment for adultery and pederasty. and LGBT rights in Afghanistan. 	? - Unsure if homosexuality is a crime or not since the country is undergoing a period of relative chaos due to the continuing battles between NATO forces and the resurgent Taliban, but the death penalty (imposed under the Taliban) is no longer enforced. The Penal Code from 1976 in force, stipulates long imprisonment for adultery and pederasty. and LGBT rights in Afghanistan. 	? - Unsure if homosexuality is a crime or not since the country is undergoing a period of relative chaos due to the continuing battles between NATO forces and the resurgent Taliban, but the death penalty (imposed under the Taliban) is no longer enforced. The Penal Code from 1976 in force, stipulates long imprisonment for adultery and pederasty. and LGBT rights in Afghanistan. 	? - Unsure if homosexuality is a crime or not since the country is undergoing a period of relative chaos due to the continuing battles between NATO forces and the resurgent Taliban, but the death penalty (imposed under the Taliban) is no longer enforced. The Penal Code from 1976 in force, stipulates long imprisonment for adultery and pederasty. and LGBT rights in Afghanistan.
Albania 	No 	- 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Albania. 	See LGBT rights in Albania. 	See LGBT rights in Albania. 	See LGBT rights in Albania. 	See LGBT rights in Albania. 	See LGBT rights in Albania.
Algeria 	Yes 	Fine - 3 years 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Algeria. 	See LGBT rights in Algeria. 	See LGBT rights in Algeria. 	See LGBT rights in Algeria. 	See LGBT rights in Algeria. 	See LGBT rights in Algeria.
Azerbaijan 	No 	- 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Azerbaijan. 	See LGBT rights in Azerbaijan. 	See LGBT rights in Azerbaijan. 	See LGBT rights in Azerbaijan. 	See LGBT rights in Azerbaijan. 	See LGBT rights in Azerbaijan.
Bahrain 	Male only 	Fine - 10 years 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Bahrain. 	See LGBT rights in Bahrain. 	See LGBT rights in Bahrain. 	See LGBT rights in Bahrain. 	See LGBT rights in Bahrain. 	See LGBT rights in Bahrain.
Bangladesh 	Yes 	10 years - Life 	- 	No 	No
- LGBT rights in Bangladesh. 	- LGBT rights in Bangladesh. 	- LGBT rights in Bangladesh. 	- LGBT rights in Bangladesh. 	- LGBT rights in Bangladesh. 	- LGBT rights in Bangladesh.
Bosnia-Herzegovina 	No 	- 	- 	Yes 	No
AD in Gender Equality Act since 2003. See LGBT rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina 	AD in Gender Equality Act since 2003. See LGBT rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina 	AD in Gender Equality Act since 2003. See LGBT rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina 	AD in Gender Equality Act since 2003. See LGBT rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina 	AD in Gender Equality Act since 2003. See LGBT rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina 	AD in Gender Equality Act since 2003. See LGBT rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brunei 	Yes 	Fine - 10 years 	- 	No 	No
Burkina Faso 	No 	- 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Burkina Faso. 	See LGBT rights in Burkina Faso. 	See LGBT rights in Burkina Faso. 	See LGBT rights in Burkina Faso. 	See LGBT rights in Burkina Faso. 	See LGBT rights in Burkina Faso.
Chad 	No 	- 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Chad. 	See LGBT rights in Chad. 	See LGBT rights in Chad. 	See LGBT rights in Chad. 	See LGBT rights in Chad. 	See LGBT rights in Chad.
Comoros 	No 	- 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Comoros. 	See LGBT rights in Comoros. 	See LGBT rights in Comoros. 	See LGBT rights in Comoros. 	See LGBT rights in Comoros. 	See LGBT rights in Comoros.
Côte d'Ivoire 	No 	- 	- 	No 	No
Djibouti 	Yes 	10 – 12 years 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Djibouti. 	See LGBT rights in Djibouti. 	See LGBT rights in Djibouti. 	See LGBT rights in Djibouti. 	See LGBT rights in Djibouti. 	See LGBT rights in Djibouti.
Egypt 	No* 	- 	No 	No 	No
In Egypt, openly gay men have been prosecuted under general public morality laws. (See Cairo 52.) OR?? and LGBT rights in Egypt. 	In Egypt, openly gay men have been prosecuted under general public morality laws. (See Cairo 52.) OR?? and LGBT rights in Egypt. 	In Egypt, openly gay men have been prosecuted under general public morality laws. (See Cairo 52.) OR?? and LGBT rights in Egypt. 	In Egypt, openly gay men have been prosecuted under general public morality laws. (See Cairo 52.) OR?? and LGBT rights in Egypt. 	In Egypt, openly gay men have been prosecuted under general public morality laws. (See Cairo 52.) OR?? and LGBT rights in Egypt. 	In Egypt, openly gay men have been prosecuted under general public morality laws. (See Cairo 52.) OR?? and LGBT rights in Egypt.
Eritrea 	Yes 	3 – 10 years 	- 	No 	No
The Gambia 	Yes 	Fine - 14 years 	- 	No 	No
Guinea 	Yes 	6 months - 3 years 	- 	No 	No
Guinea Bissau 	Yes 	Labour camps 	- 	No 	No
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Indonesia 	No* 	- 	- 	No 	No
*In 2002, the Aceh province was given the right to instate Islamic sharia by laws by the national parliament. Such law only applies to Muslims. Additionally some cites such as Palembang in Southern Sumatra has introduced jail and hefty fines, for homosexual sex and in 2003, a proposal to nationally criminalize homosexuality failed. See LGBT rights in Indonesia. 	*In 2002, the Aceh province was given the right to instate Islamic sharia by laws by the national parliament. Such law only applies to Muslims. Additionally some cites such as Palembang in Southern Sumatra has introduced jail and hefty fines, for homosexual sex and in 2003, a proposal to nationally criminalize homosexuality failed. See LGBT rights in Indonesia. 	*In 2002, the Aceh province was given the right to instate Islamic sharia by laws by the national parliament. Such law only applies to Muslims. Additionally some cites such as Palembang in Southern Sumatra has introduced jail and hefty fines, for homosexual sex and in 2003, a proposal to nationally criminalize homosexuality failed. See LGBT rights in Indonesia. 	*In 2002, the Aceh province was given the right to instate Islamic sharia by laws by the national parliament. Such law only applies to Muslims. Additionally some cites such as Palembang in Southern Sumatra has introduced jail and hefty fines, for homosexual sex and in 2003, a proposal to nationally criminalize homosexuality failed. See LGBT rights in Indonesia. 	*In 2002, the Aceh province was given the right to instate Islamic sharia by laws by the national parliament. Such law only applies to Muslims. Additionally some cites such as Palembang in Southern Sumatra has introduced jail and hefty fines, for homosexual sex and in 2003, a proposal to nationally criminalize homosexuality failed. See LGBT rights in Indonesia. 	*In 2002, the Aceh province was given the right to instate Islamic sharia by laws by the national parliament. Such law only applies to Muslims. Additionally some cites such as Palembang in Southern Sumatra has introduced jail and hefty fines, for homosexual sex and in 2003, a proposal to nationally criminalize homosexuality failed. See LGBT rights in Indonesia.
Iran 	Yes 	For men: Prison - Death. Situation unclear with women 	- 	No 	No
Sex reassignment surgery have been given official government support as a means to treat gender identity disorder. Law in Iran, in general, is not formally in order and is often abused by government officials. For many years there were no official executions for homosexuality, although some maintain teenagers Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni executed for this and not for rape. See LGBT rights in Iran. 	Sex reassignment surgery have been given official government support as a means to treat gender identity disorder. Law in Iran, in general, is not formally in order and is often abused by government officials. For many years there were no official executions for homosexuality, although some maintain teenagers Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni executed for this and not for rape. See LGBT rights in Iran. 	Sex reassignment surgery have been given official government support as a means to treat gender identity disorder. Law in Iran, in general, is not formally in order and is often abused by government officials. For many years there were no official executions for homosexuality, although some maintain teenagers Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni executed for this and not for rape. See LGBT rights in Iran. 	Sex reassignment surgery have been given official government support as a means to treat gender identity disorder. Law in Iran, in general, is not formally in order and is often abused by government officials. For many years there were no official executions for homosexuality, although some maintain teenagers Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni executed for this and not for rape. See LGBT rights in Iran. 	Sex reassignment surgery have been given official government support as a means to treat gender identity disorder. Law in Iran, in general, is not formally in order and is often abused by government officials. For many years there were no official executions for homosexuality, although some maintain teenagers Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni executed for this and not for rape. See LGBT rights in Iran. 	Sex reassignment surgery have been given official government support as a means to treat gender identity disorder. Law in Iran, in general, is not formally in order and is often abused by government officials. For many years there were no official executions for homosexuality, although some maintain teenagers Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni executed for this and not for rape. See LGBT rights in Iran.
Iraq 	No* 	- 	- 	No 	No
*No provisions of the current Iraqi criminal code deal with homosexuality. The U.S. occupation restored the criminal code back to its original 1969 edition. Before 2003, the criminal code was amended in 2001 to include the death penalty for homosexuality. However currently, death squads are operating in the country killing gays. and LGBT rights in Iraq. 	*No provisions of the current Iraqi criminal code deal with homosexuality. The U.S. occupation restored the criminal code back to its original 1969 edition. Before 2003, the criminal code was amended in 2001 to include the death penalty for homosexuality. However currently, death squads are operating in the country killing gays. and LGBT rights in Iraq. 	*No provisions of the current Iraqi criminal code deal with homosexuality. The U.S. occupation restored the criminal code back to its original 1969 edition. Before 2003, the criminal code was amended in 2001 to include the death penalty for homosexuality. However currently, death squads are operating in the country killing gays. and LGBT rights in Iraq. 	*No provisions of the current Iraqi criminal code deal with homosexuality. The U.S. occupation restored the criminal code back to its original 1969 edition. Before 2003, the criminal code was amended in 2001 to include the death penalty for homosexuality. However currently, death squads are operating in the country killing gays. and LGBT rights in Iraq. 	*No provisions of the current Iraqi criminal code deal with homosexuality. The U.S. occupation restored the criminal code back to its original 1969 edition. Before 2003, the criminal code was amended in 2001 to include the death penalty for homosexuality. However currently, death squads are operating in the country killing gays. and LGBT rights in Iraq. 	*No provisions of the current Iraqi criminal code deal with homosexuality. The U.S. occupation restored the criminal code back to its original 1969 edition. Before 2003, the criminal code was amended in 2001 to include the death penalty for homosexuality. However currently, death squads are operating in the country killing gays. and LGBT rights in Iraq.
Jordan 	No* 	- 	- 	No 	No
*While not a crime, reports have shown that LGBT people can be victims of vigilante "honour killings". See LGBT rights in Jordan. 	*While not a crime, reports have shown that LGBT people can be victims of vigilante "honour killings". See LGBT rights in Jordan. 	*While not a crime, reports have shown that LGBT people can be victims of vigilante "honour killings". See LGBT rights in Jordan. 	*While not a crime, reports have shown that LGBT people can be victims of vigilante "honour killings". See LGBT rights in Jordan. 	*While not a crime, reports have shown that LGBT people can be victims of vigilante "honour killings". See LGBT rights in Jordan. 	*While not a crime, reports have shown that LGBT people can be victims of vigilante "honour killings". See LGBT rights in Jordan.
Kazakhstan 	No 	- 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Kazakhstan. 	See LGBT rights in Kazakhstan. 	See LGBT rights in Kazakhstan. 	See LGBT rights in Kazakhstan. 	See LGBT rights in Kazakhstan. 	See LGBT rights in Kazakhstan.
Lebanon 	Male Only 	Fine - 1 year 	- 	No 	No
A small public growing campaign exists to legalize homosexual relations between consenting adults in private. See LGBT rights in Lebanon. 	A small public growing campaign exists to legalize homosexual relations between consenting adults in private. See LGBT rights in Lebanon. 	A small public growing campaign exists to legalize homosexual relations between consenting adults in private. See LGBT rights in Lebanon. 	A small public growing campaign exists to legalize homosexual relations between consenting adults in private. See LGBT rights in Lebanon. 	A small public growing campaign exists to legalize homosexual relations between consenting adults in private. See LGBT rights in Lebanon. 	A small public growing campaign exists to legalize homosexual relations between consenting adults in private. See LGBT rights in Lebanon.
Malaysia 	Yes 	Fine - 20 years 	- 	No 	No
Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was himself jailed for homosexuality, has called for their repeal. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad recently confirmed that the accusation he made to Anwar regarding the homosexuality of Anwar was wrong. Marina Mahathir, the daughter of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, has called for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, during Mahathir's term as Prime Minister, he warned gay ministers in foreign countries not to bring along their partners while visiting the nation. . See LGBT rights in Malaysia.	Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was himself jailed for homosexuality, has called for their repeal. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad recently confirmed that the accusation he made to Anwar regarding the homosexuality of Anwar was wrong. Marina Mahathir, the daughter of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, has called for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, during Mahathir's term as Prime Minister, he warned gay ministers in foreign countries not to bring along their partners while visiting the nation. . See LGBT rights in Malaysia.	Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was himself jailed for homosexuality, has called for their repeal. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad recently confirmed that the accusation he made to Anwar regarding the homosexuality of Anwar was wrong. Marina Mahathir, the daughter of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, has called for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, during Mahathir's term as Prime Minister, he warned gay ministers in foreign countries not to bring along their partners while visiting the nation. . See LGBT rights in Malaysia.	Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was himself jailed for homosexuality, has called for their repeal. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad recently confirmed that the accusation he made to Anwar regarding the homosexuality of Anwar was wrong. Marina Mahathir, the daughter of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, has called for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, during Mahathir's term as Prime Minister, he warned gay ministers in foreign countries not to bring along their partners while visiting the nation. . See LGBT rights in Malaysia.	Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was himself jailed for homosexuality, has called for their repeal. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad recently confirmed that the accusation he made to Anwar regarding the homosexuality of Anwar was wrong. Marina Mahathir, the daughter of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, has called for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, during Mahathir's term as Prime Minister, he warned gay ministers in foreign countries not to bring along their partners while visiting the nation. . See LGBT rights in Malaysia.	Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was himself jailed for homosexuality, has called for their repeal. Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad recently confirmed that the accusation he made to Anwar regarding the homosexuality of Anwar was wrong. Marina Mahathir, the daughter of former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, has called for an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, during Mahathir's term as Prime Minister, he warned gay ministers in foreign countries not to bring along their partners while visiting the nation. . See LGBT rights in Malaysia.
Maldives 	Male only 	Fine - 10 years 	- 	No 	No
Mali 	No 	- 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Mali. 	See LGBT rights in Mali. 	See LGBT rights in Mali. 	See LGBT rights in Mali. 	See LGBT rights in Mali. 	See LGBT rights in Mali.
Mauritania 	Yes 	Death 	- 	No 	No
Morocco 	Yes 	6 months - 3 years 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Morocco. 	See LGBT rights in Morocco. 	See LGBT rights in Morocco. 	See LGBT rights in Morocco. 	See LGBT rights in Morocco. 	See LGBT rights in Morocco.
Niger 	No 	- 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Niger. 	See LGBT rights in Niger. 	See LGBT rights in Niger. 	See LGBT rights in Niger. 	See LGBT rights in Niger. 	See LGBT rights in Niger.
Nigeria 	Yes* 	5 – 14 years / Death 	- 	No 	No
*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. Any content, avocating groups or associations, support, talking to, marriage, etc. regarding LGBT persons can land you in jail for at least four years . See LGBT rights in Nigeria. 	*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. Any content, avocating groups or associations, support, talking to, marriage, etc. regarding LGBT persons can land you in jail for at least four years . See LGBT rights in Nigeria. 	*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. Any content, avocating groups or associations, support, talking to, marriage, etc. regarding LGBT persons can land you in jail for at least four years . See LGBT rights in Nigeria. 	*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. Any content, avocating groups or associations, support, talking to, marriage, etc. regarding LGBT persons can land you in jail for at least four years . See LGBT rights in Nigeria. 	*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. Any content, avocating groups or associations, support, talking to, marriage, etc. regarding LGBT persons can land you in jail for at least four years . See LGBT rights in Nigeria. 	*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. Any content, avocating groups or associations, support, talking to, marriage, etc. regarding LGBT persons can land you in jail for at least four years . See LGBT rights in Nigeria.
Oman 	Yes 	Fine - 3 years 	- 	No 	No
In Oman it is said that cases only get to court if "public scandal" is involved. 	In Oman it is said that cases only get to court if "public scandal" is involved. 	In Oman it is said that cases only get to court if "public scandal" is involved. 	In Oman it is said that cases only get to court if "public scandal" is involved. 	In Oman it is said that cases only get to court if "public scandal" is involved. 	In Oman it is said that cases only get to court if "public scandal" is involved.
Pakistan 	Yes* 	2 years - Life 	- 	No 	No
*The law applies to both men and women and LGBT rights in Pakistan. 	*The law applies to both men and women and LGBT rights in Pakistan. 	*The law applies to both men and women and LGBT rights in Pakistan. 	*The law applies to both men and women and LGBT rights in Pakistan. 	*The law applies to both men and women and LGBT rights in Pakistan. 	*The law applies to both men and women and LGBT rights in Pakistan.
Qatar 	Yes 	Fine - 5 years 	- 	No 	No
Saudi Arabia 	Yes 	Death - Other 	- 	No 	No
Jail time, fines or whipping may be used in lieu of the death penalty. See LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia 	Jail time, fines or whipping may be used in lieu of the death penalty. See LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia 	Jail time, fines or whipping may be used in lieu of the death penalty. See LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia 	Jail time, fines or whipping may be used in lieu of the death penalty. See LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia 	Jail time, fines or whipping may be used in lieu of the death penalty. See LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia 	Jail time, fines or whipping may be used in lieu of the death penalty. See LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia
Senegal 	Yes 	1 month - 5 years 	- 	No 	No
Sierra Leone 	Yes 	Life 	- 	No* 	No
*The Anti-Corruption Commission stated in a press release that in a bid to attract competent and qualified staff, they operate a transparent recruitment policy, which even forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 	*The Anti-Corruption Commission stated in a press release that in a bid to attract competent and qualified staff, they operate a transparent recruitment policy, which even forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 	*The Anti-Corruption Commission stated in a press release that in a bid to attract competent and qualified staff, they operate a transparent recruitment policy, which even forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 	*The Anti-Corruption Commission stated in a press release that in a bid to attract competent and qualified staff, they operate a transparent recruitment policy, which even forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 	*The Anti-Corruption Commission stated in a press release that in a bid to attract competent and qualified staff, they operate a transparent recruitment policy, which even forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 	*The Anti-Corruption Commission stated in a press release that in a bid to attract competent and qualified staff, they operate a transparent recruitment policy, which even forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Somalia 	Yes* 	3 months - 3 years/Death 	- 	No 	No
*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. 	*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. 	*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. 	*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. 	*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women. 	*Areas under Sharia have instituted death for men and women.
Sudan 	Yes 	5 years - Death 	- 	No 	No
Syria 	Yes 	Fine - 3 years 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Syria. 	See LGBT rights in Syria. 	See LGBT rights in Syria. 	See LGBT rights in Syria. 	See LGBT rights in Syria. 	See LGBT rights in Syria.
Tajikistan 	No 	- 	- 	No 	No
Tanzania 	Yes 	Fine - 25 years 	- 	No 	No
In Zanzibar male homosexual acts are punished with up to 25 years imprisonment or fine. Lesbian acts are punished with up 7 years imprisonment or fine. See LGBT rights in Tanzania. 	In Zanzibar male homosexual acts are punished with up to 25 years imprisonment or fine. Lesbian acts are punished with up 7 years imprisonment or fine. See LGBT rights in Tanzania. 	In Zanzibar male homosexual acts are punished with up to 25 years imprisonment or fine. Lesbian acts are punished with up 7 years imprisonment or fine. See LGBT rights in Tanzania. 	In Zanzibar male homosexual acts are punished with up to 25 years imprisonment or fine. Lesbian acts are punished with up 7 years imprisonment or fine. See LGBT rights in Tanzania. 	In Zanzibar male homosexual acts are punished with up to 25 years imprisonment or fine. Lesbian acts are punished with up 7 years imprisonment or fine. See LGBT rights in Tanzania. 	In Zanzibar male homosexual acts are punished with up to 25 years imprisonment or fine. Lesbian acts are punished with up 7 years imprisonment or fine. See LGBT rights in Tanzania.
Tunisia 	Yes 	Fine - 3 years 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Tunisia. 	See LGBT rights in Tunisia. 	See LGBT rights in Tunisia. 	See LGBT rights in Tunisia. 	See LGBT rights in Tunisia. 	See LGBT rights in Tunisia.
Turkey 	No 	- 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in Turkey. 	See LGBT rights in Turkey. 	See LGBT rights in Turkey. 	See LGBT rights in Turkey. 	See LGBT rights in Turkey. 	See LGBT rights in Turkey.
Turkmenistan 	Male only 	Fine - 2 years 	- 	No 	No
United Arab Emirates 	Yes 	Unknown - Death 	- 	No 	No
See LGBT rights in United Arab Emirates. 	See LGBT rights in United Arab Emirates. 	See LGBT rights in United Arab Emirates. 	See LGBT rights in United Arab Emirates. 	See LGBT rights in United Arab Emirates. 	See LGBT rights in United Arab Emirates.
Uzbekistan 	Male only* 	Fine* - 3 years* 	- 	No 	No
*"Besoqolbozlik" (Only applies to anal sex) , page 43 of . 	*"Besoqolbozlik" (Only applies to anal sex) , page 43 of . 	*"Besoqolbozlik" (Only applies to anal sex) , page 43 of . 	*"Besoqolbozlik" (Only applies to anal sex) , page 43 of . 	*"Besoqolbozlik" (Only applies to anal sex) , page 43 of . 	*"Besoqolbozlik" (Only applies to anal sex) , page 43 of .
Yemen 	Yes 	Flogging - Death 	- 	No 	No
==LGBT movements within Muslims==
The Al-Fatiha Foundation is an organization which advances the cause of gay, lesbian, and transgender Muslims. It was founded in 1998 by Faisal Alam, a Pakistani American, and is registered as a nonprofit organization in the United States. The organization was an out shoot of an internet listserve that brought together many gay, lesbian and questioning Muslims from various countries."Cyber Mecca," The Advocate, March 14, 2000 The Al-Fatiha Foundation, accepts and considershomosexuality as natural, either regarding Qur'anic verses as obsolete in the context of modern society, or pointing out that the Qu'ran speaks out against homosexual lust, and is silent on homosexual love.
In 2001, Al-Muhajiroun, a banned and now defunct international organization who sought the establishment of a global Islamic caliphate, issued a fatwa declaring that all members of Al-Fatiha were murtadd, or apostates, and condemning them to death. Because of the threat and coming from conservative societies, many members of the foundation's site still prefer to be anonymous so as to protect their identity while continuing a tradition of secrecy.Tim Herbert, "Queer chronicles", Weekend Australian, October 7, 2006, Qld Review Edition.
Al-Fatiha has fourteen chapters in the United States, as well as offices in England, Canada, Spain, Turkey and South Africa.
Besides the Al-Fatiha Foundation which supports homosexuality, the Imaan is also social support group for Muslim LGBT people and their families in the UK. Both of these groups were found by gay Pakistani activists.
There are also a number of Islamic ex-gay (i.e. people claiming to have experienced a basic change in sexual orientation from exclusive homosexuality to exclusive heterosexuality) groups aimed at attempting to guide homosexuals towards heterosexuality. The StraightWay Foundation is a UK based ex-gay organization which works with homosexual Muslims who seek to eliminate their same-sex attractions.The StraightWay Foundation Retrieved 2007-04-06 Al-Tawbah is an internet based ex-gay group.Al-Tawbah It should be noted that the efficacy of ex-gay treatments and therapies has been brought into serious doubt by the American Psychological Association and other academic groups.American Psychological Association. (2008). to your questions: For a better understanding of sexual orientation and homosexuality. Washington, DC: Author. [Retrieved from www.apa.org/topics/sorientation.pdf.]
While Iran has outlawed homosexuality, Iranian Shi'a thinkers such as Ayatollah Khomeini have allowed for homosexual men and women to change their gender so that they can enter heterosexual relationships. This position has been confirmed by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and is also supported by many other Iranian clerics. Despite support for transsexuals from Iranian religious leaders, the Iranian society is not as accepting of them. Some transsexuals point out that in Iran transsexuals can change their gender after a sex change operation, a privilege not recognized in Britain.Iran's sex-change operations, BBC. The state will pay a portion of the cost for a sex-change operation. 
In India, where Muslims form a large minority, the largest Islamic seminary (Darul Uloom Deoband) has vehemently opposed recent government movesIndia to repeal anti-gay law as second Gay Pride is held, The Times to abrogate and liberalize archaic laws from the British Raj era that banned homosexuality.After Deoband, other Muslim leaders condemn homosexuality, Times of India
==See also==
* Transsexuality in Iran
* Islamic religious police
====Rights activists====
* Arsham Parsi is an Iranian LGBT activist for the Persian and Muslim communities.
* Irshad Manji is a Canadian feminist, author, journalist, activist and scholar. Manji is openly lesbian."Article on her homosexuality"
*Afdhere Jama, editor of Huriyah
*Irshad Manji, Canadian lesbian and human rights activist
*El-Farouk Khaki, founder of Salaam, the first queer Muslim group in Canada 
*Arsham Parsi, Iranian LGBT activist
*Maryam Hatoon Molkara, campaigner for transsexual rights in Iran
*Faisal Alam, Pakistani American LGBT activist and founder of Al-Fatiha Foundation
*Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni
*Malik Ayaz
*Pav Akhtar
*Usman Sani
*Waheed Alli, Baron Alli, British gay politician
*Yusuf Kabir
*Enchant of Hope
*Abdellah Taia, writer
====Other====
*Criticism of the Qur'an
*A Jihad for Love, documentary about devout gay Muslims
*Festival of Muslim Cultures
*Gay Muslims, documentary
*Ghilman
*Nazar ill'al-murd
==Notes==
==References==
*Duran, Khalid. Homosexuality in Islam, in: Swidler, Anne (ed.) "Homosexuality and World Religions" (1993). Trinity Press International, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. ISBN 156338051X
*Kilgerman, Nicole (2007). Homosexuality in Islam: A Difficult Paradox. Macalester Islam journal 2(3):52-64, Berkeley Electronic press.
*Khaled El-Rouayheb, Before Homosexuality in the Arab–Islamic World, 1500–1800 Chicago, 2009. ISBN 9780226729893.
*Everett K. Rowson, J.W. Wright (eds.), Homoeroticism in Classical Arabic Literature New York, 1997
*Arno Schmitt and Jehoeda Sofer (eds.), Sexuality and Eroticism Among Males in Moslem Societies Harrington Park Press 1992
*Arno Schmitt and Gianni de Martino, Kleine Schriften zu zwischenmännlicher Sexualität und Erotik in der muslimischen Gesellschaft, Berlin, Gustav-Müller-Str. 10 : A. Schmitt, 1985
*Stephen O. Murray and Will Roscoe (eds.), "Islamic Homosexualities: culture, history, and literature" NYU Press New York 1997
*Wafer, Jim (1997) "Muhammad and Male Homosexuality" in "Islamic Homosexualities: culture, history, and literature" by Stephen O. Murray and Will Roscoe (eds.), NYU Press New York
*Wafer, Jim (1997) "The Symbolism of Male Love in Islamic Mysthical Literature" in "Islamic Homosexualities: culture, history, and literature" by Stephen O. Murray and Will Roscoe (eds.), NYU Press New York 1997
*Vincenzo Patanè, "Homosexuality in the Middle East and North Africa" in: Aldrich, Robert (ed.) Gay Life and Culture: A World History, Thames & Hudson, London, 2006