Homophobia in the Middle East

"In Baghdad a new series of murders began early this year, perpetrated against men suspected of being gay. Often they are raped, their genitals cut off, and their anuses sealed with glue. Their bodies are left at landfills or dumped in the streets. The nonprofit organization Human Rights Watch, which has documented many of these crimes, has spoken of a systematic campaign of violence involving hundreds of murders". This is an extract from www.salon.com reporting an incident in Iraq. It is an American online liberal magazine.


Homophobia in the Middle East has always been present, even in its media. Such reports would not be reported in Arab  print. Homosexuality is a topic that is generally avoided in the Middle East. Even in contemporary film and literature the topic is lightly touched upon, if addressed at all. Tt is not an 'attractive' subject to talk about.From an Islamic point of view, homosexuality is one of the greatest sins. Away from the religious, homosexuality is greatly shameful. Of course, this is unlike the global stance on the subject. Globally, homosexuality tends to fall under "freedom", but in the Middle East it is absolutely rejected.

In Saudi Arabia where Shari'a is applied, homosexuality is penalized and penalties can reach up to executions. So all these factors combined can explain this homophobic reaction of the people of the Middle East.

This is a youtube link to a stand-up comedy about the Iranian president's comments on homosexuality in Iran
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDOY-LbHa2g&feature=fvsr

WARNING: FOUL LANGUAGE USED