Egyptian MPs propose criminalisation of homosexuality

The draft law, the latest development since the Egyptian authorities launched an LGBTI-related crackdown after a rainbow flag was displayed at a concert in Cairo in September, defines “homosexuality” for the first time and sets penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment.

In some cases, a person could be jailed for 15 years if convicted on multiple charges under different provisions of the law.

The draft law also prohibits the public promotion or advertising of any LGBTI gatherings or parties, whether through audio or video publications or via social media.

The penalty set for such acts is up to three years’ imprisonment. Displaying an LGBTI symbol or sign, or producing, promoting, selling or marketing such products would also be punishable by up to three years in prison.

The new bill also includes a clause that allows the authorities to publicly “shame” individuals convicted under the proposed law by publishing their names and sentences in two widely-read national newspapers.

In addition, the bill also states that those convicted would face probation periods after they had served their sentence, for a duration equivalent to the prison term received.

Riad Abdel Sattar, an MP from the Free Egyptians party, proposed the new law after collecting at least 67 signatures from fellow MPs. The draft bill is expected to be reviewed and discussed by the parliament during its current session and, if voted for, will be sent to the president for sign-off.

Currently, the Egyptian authorities have used the country’s prostitution law to charge people suspected of engaging in same-sex sexual activity with “habitual debauchery” - an offence punishable by up to three years in prison.

Najia Bounaim, Amnesty International’s North Africa campaigns director, said: “This deeply discriminatory bill would be a huge setback for human rights and another nail in the coffin for sexual rights in Egypt.

“If passed, this law would further entrench stigma and abuse against people based on their perceived sexual orientation.

“Not only does this draft law propose to criminalise same sex sexual relations - which should not be an offence in the first place - it is also intended to fuel stigma, humiliation and hatred against people based on their real or perceived sexual orientation.”