While a large movement not just in the United States but across the world is stirring to provide LGBT liberties, many nations have strict anti-gay laws.
Most of the countries with the severest policies against same-sex couples have large Muslim populations and are influenced by Sharia law, which states that homosexuals should be put to death. Many times, however, these sentences are performed in some of the cruelest manners.
Here are the five countries with the strictest gay laws:
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1. Iran
Anti-gay laws in Iran dictate those found guilty of sexual relationships with a member of the same gender will be put to death. Two young boys were accused of homosexuality in 2005. Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni were killed even though protests and official notes from foreign nations protested the sentence.
National Geographic noted individuals who kiss an individual of the same sex in public can receive up to 60 lashes as well.
2. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia also sentences those in same-sex relationships to the death penalty. A case in 2000 gathered many protests as an individual was beheaded in public with a sword for what the country deemed to be a crime. Whipping and death by public stoning are anti-gay laws as well.
3. United Arab Emirates
The UAE puts homosexuals to death. Lesbians from Bulgaria and Lebanon charged with unnatural public hugs and kisses were deported after a month in prison, but UAE citizens can be executed by beheading typically.
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4. Mauritania
This country is one of four African nations that have the death penalty for homosexuals.
According to BuzzFeed, Mauritania's Article 308 states, “Any adult Muslim man who commits an indecent act or an act against nature with an individual of his sex will face the penalty of death by public stoning.”
5. Nigeria
Twelve northern states in Nigeria are under Sharia law. Anti-gay laws say men can receive the death penalty, and women may be whipped or imprisoned. The rest of the states punish gay and lesbian relations with 14 years in jail, BuzzFeed noted. An individual can even get half of that if they attempt to take part in the act. Additionally, it is illegal for Nigerians to join “gay clubs or organizations,” receiving up to 10 years if they do.
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