It is illegal to be Homosexual in Somalia, but because someone can't not be homosexual, homosexual acts are punished by lashing, being ostracized from the family and communities, and death. Gays and Lesbians of Somalia have to live secret lives, or they must conform to the laws and live "normal" lives (http://www.somaligaycommunity.org/content/view/13/28/). According to the Somalia Penal Code, Article 409 sexual intercourse with someone of the same sex is punished by imprisonment from three months to three years. In Article 410 it states that security measures can be added to ensure that the person does not commit the homosexual acts again. Also in some cases the Islamic Sharia Law can be applied in some way to the case, usually ending in stoning (http://www.glapn.org/sodomylaws/world/somalia/somalia.htm). As well as laws against being Gay there are no laws that protect a Somali man or woman from being discriminated against or sentenced to death because they are Gay.
In this article two women were sentenced to death by stoning for being Lesbians: http://www.afrol.com/News2001/som002_lesbians_sentenced.htm
After searching around on the internet I couldn't find any website that suggested that Maine has a group for LGBT Somalian community. Yes there is there is the LGBT community in Maine, but Somali people have had to deal with different types of discrimination and hate than others. It isn't that I am saying that they are more important, I myself am a part of the LGBT community being a lesbian, but I never had to live with the threat of being stoned because of who I am. I think that the Somali LGBT community first need there own community to talk about and relate to each other, before they can become a part of the larger community in Maine. They have to feel a part of the Portland/Maine community first, then find allies and others who are LGBT, then they will be able to make the transition. What are some things that can be done to help this? If Somali people are afraid to come out because of the laws they've experienced, what could help them understand they have more freedom here? Maybe USM could have not just a Multicultural Center and a LGBT Center, but a Multicultural LGBT Center as well. That way people of different races and cultures, as well as sexual orientation, can come together comfortably and at their own pace. If they know it is there they will use it and its resources. I think it will help them connect with others, especially other people from different cultures that have experienced the same type of hate and persecution that they have as well. Any other ideas?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Excellent blog Jess and we thought we were running out of things to blog about!
ReplyDeletewow. I thought I was mis-reading this information... this is hard for me to believe thank you for opening my eyes yet again
ReplyDeleteThank you Cindy!
ReplyDeleteJarica, it is very hard to believe, but very true at the same time. It's scary to think that people are actually sentenced to death for being Gay. Thinking about it that way makes me feel very selfish wanting more and more rights, when some people are dying because of their sexuality. It's very eye-opening.
Wow, there are multiple layers of inequalities, mistreatment and trauma going on in thes peoples lives. I agree that there needs to be specific groups and support services avaialbe for somali people who identify as gay and need further support to process thier complex and multi layers of concerns they are faced with everyday.
ReplyDeleteI remember coming across an article in the past that talked about these same issues, however; I didn't at the time piece together how it must effect Somalis who may have experienced these laws and how that translates to their comfort in coming out in their new home country. Now that I think of it, I don't know of any Somalis that are LGBT. I am sure much of this has to do with what your post talked about. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! It amazes me to learn these different views and laws. I can't believe I am so unaware of how the world is out side my world.
ReplyDeletei agree missa. i did not consider that people in countries ravaged by war and politics may have some of the same issues that we are experiencing.
ReplyDelete