Homosexuality and A Nation of Oppression
Islamic law is always unequivocal about the forbiddance of homosexual acts. However, the region or its scriptures does not explicitly prohibit the cohabitation of same-sex couples or the legitimacy of love for a non-relative same-sex partner. As far as canonical evidence concerned, trial and defamation for homosexuality only follow towards the physical act of penetration for which the person is accused. However, there are fundamental texts of Islam establishes that whenever a male mounts another male, the throne of God trembles, and that those who commit the same acts as the people of Lot, be they active or passive, should be stoned to death.
In addition, in Bangladesh the crime of sodomy still exists through Section 377 of the Penal Code of Bangladesh states:
“Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with imprisonment for life, or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Explanation: Penetration is sufficient to constitute the carnal intercourse necessary to the offence described in this section.”
Results of such prohibition and harsh religious sentiment doesn’t come without the consequence of systematic neglect. In 2017 in Bangladesh, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have arrested 27 men on suspicion of being gay. As it is a criminal offence to perform homosexuality. However, as they were detained before they engaged in sex, the authorities were to charge them with drug possession.
The commander of the elite police unit that made the arrests, said the suspects were mostly students aged 20-30 years. Many of them had travelled from across the country and were picked in a community centre at Keraniganj. It has been said they recovered illegal drugs and condoms in their possession and charged them with drug offenses and not homosexuality because they were detained before they engaged in sex.
Many of the gays and lesbians have left the country after receiving death threats. Where other live double lives to avoid the consequences.
