While checking the site Mideastyouth for information on the suppression of Bahraini bloggers, I also found an interesting interview and discussion of the treatment of homosexuality in the Arab world.
While checking the site Mideastyouth for information on the suppression of Bahraini bloggers, I also found an interesting interview and discussion of the treatment of homosexuality in the Arab world.
Hi Tom,
One of the comments there is a typical reaction to homosexuals in the Middle East. It is a very sad situation that is often ignored. Homosexuality is still considered a crime in Bahrain. Words escape me when I see what certain homosexuals have to go through in order to be accepted in society.
I want to use Mideast Youth as a way to increase dialogue about this matter, and I’d like homosexual Arabs, Iranians, and Israelis to share their experiences. They need a voice.
Such attitudes are not unique to the Arab world, but are found throughout much of South Asia, as well. Fortunately, things are changing in India (if not in Pakistan). The status of homosexuals, in law and in society generally, is a good indicator of the progress of society toward modern standards of civility. I applaud Esra’a’s work and that of others who promote freedom and civility in the Arab world.
Wikipedia has a good overview of the status of gays in India:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality_in_India
There is unfortunately no such entry on homosexuality in Pakistan.