Last edited: May 31, 2004

Somalia

• Statute: Article 409
• Penalty: 3 months to 3 years
• Restrictions: Islamic Sharia Law may be applied.

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Statute

From the International Lesbian and Gay Association

"The Indian Penal Code was applied in British Somalia from 1925 to 1973, when a Somali Penal Code was adopted. Article 409 punishes sexual intercourse with a person of the same sex with imprisonment from 3 months to 3 years, and an act of lust different from sexual intercourse from 2 months to 2 years.

According to Article 410, a security measure may be added to a sentence for homosexual acts. This is normally police surveillance — to guarantee that the
person convicted does not engage in these activities again". (Arno Schmitt and Jehoeda Sofer — "Sexuality and Eroticism Among Males in Moslem Societies")

[Jehoeda Sofer does not specifically confirm whether the above Articles apply to lesbian sex. On the basis that they are based on the Indian Penal Code, it is
assumed that they do not] 

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News

• Death Hangs Over Somali Queers - May 3, 2004
• Story Denied About Lesbian Executions - March 2, 2001
• Somali Death Sentence Report Disputed - February 24-26, 2001
• Somali ‘Lesbian Sentences’ Denied - February 23, 2001
• Judge Orders Executions for Lesbian Duo - February 23, 2001
• Death Sentence for Somali Lesbians - February 22, 2001
• Lesbian Couple Sentenced to Death in Somalia - February 21, 2001

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Alert

• Two Women Reportedly Sentenced to Death for "Unnatural Behavior" - March 1, 2001

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