The Gay Sons of Allah: Homophobia Sweeps the Muslim World

Across Muslim states of the Middle East, violence and persecution of gay men and women is on the rise. Such persecution, however, is an exception to the past, despite the reputation for repression many of these governments in the region enjoy. Indeed, interpretations of passages in the Koran as referring to homosexuality and laws against homosexual acts are largely the products of British 19th century colonialism, exacerbated by modern politics, according to one scholar. Today, as many relatively liberal, Muslim governments struggle to maintain legitimacy amid the rise of Islamist oppositions, these governments have turned to persecution of gay men and women both to claim religious moral high ground and display control. Many homosexuals – unable to live in peace without fear of attack – have often immigrated to other countries as a last resort. Some of those forced to immigrate have built organizations through the internet that provide support or means of communication on a transnational level for the potential victims of persecution. It would appear that the spread of homophobia has attended the global spread of Islamism. – YaleGlobal