LGBTQ+ rights in Egypt and Iran ahead of World Cup ‘Pride Match’

Seattle is scheduled to host the World Cup’s “Pride Match” on June 26th, with a draw between Egypt and Iran.

It was confirmed this week that rainbow flags will be allowed to be flown inside stadiums, despite protests from both sides.

Although the game is not officially associated with Pride, local organizers in Seattle designated it as such because it coincides with the city’s Pride weekend.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in January that “there will be no ‘Pride Match’ at the World Cup,” although he acknowledged that local and external organizers had promoted it as such.

Of course, eyebrows were raised when the match ended in a draw and it was confirmed that Iran and Egypt would play each other.

Neither country has a positive track record on LGBTQ+ rights. In fact, it’s tough.

LGBTQ+ rights in Egypt

Egypt’s LGBTQ+ population faces extreme hardship, with widespread violence and discrimination, and police targeting members of the community.

Although same-sex sexual activity itself is not criminalized under Egyptian law, the African country has a number of moral clauses that criminalize it. one, as per Irgais an “anti-prostitution law” that is selectively applied to target homosexuals.

Similarly, actions or expressions deemed immoral, scandalous, or offensive to the teachings of recognized religious leaders may also be prosecuted.

In Egypt, most people are Sunni Muslims or Copts. Neither religion recognizes homosexual relationships.

Furthermore, Egyptian law does not allow same-sex marriage.

There is no protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the provision of goods and services, health, education, school bullying, employment, or housing.

It is also believed that the country has no intention of increasing penalties for hate crimes based on sexuality or gender identity.

It is also not legal for trans-Egyptians to change their gender.

LGBTQ+ rights in Iran

In Iran, the situation is even worse. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal and can be punishable by death in some cases.

If two men engage in anal sex, which Iran’s Islamic penal code defines as “sodomy,” the partner faces the death penalty.

If the donor uses force or coercion, is married, or is a non-Muslim and the recipient is Muslim, the donor is sentenced to death. In other circumstances, a sentence of 100 lashes is given.

“Intercrural intercourse” is defined as non-penetrative sexual intercourse, where the penis is inserted between the thighs of a partner, or between the buttocks under Article 235 of Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, which is punishable by 100 lashes. However, if both are not Muslims, they will be executed.

All other physical intimacy between men is illegal, and the punishment is determined by a judge. The number of eyelashes ranges from 31 to 74.

If the man repents before being sentenced and the judge agrees, the penalty could be reduced to flogging, imprisonment, or a reprimand. If a person repents after being found guilty, a judge can submit a request for pardon to the Supreme Leader.

Despite the law, it was reported that consensual sex between men rarely resulted in the death penalty. Instead, he could be sentenced to life in prison.

For women, genital contact between women is illegal and punishable by 100 lashes. If the woman is convicted for a fourth time of the crime known as “tribe discrimination,” she will be sentenced to death.

There are no other explicit laws that criminalize other forms of sex between women.

Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in the country and is believed to have no protection against discrimination.

As per IrgaTransgender people in Iran can legally change their gender by being “diagnosed as transsexual” and undergoing gender reassignment surgery, which is also legal.

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