LGBT Rights in Esfahan, Iran: homosexuality, gay marriage, gay adoption, serving in the military, sexual orientation discrimination protection, changing legal gender, donating blood, age of consent, and more. The police severely beat several party goers, interrogated them at a Revolutionary Guard station, then carted them off to Dastgerd Prison. Not until several days later did members of the Basij militia inform their family members that they had been arrested for sodomy. Since the Revolution, the Islamic regime in Iran has persecuted thousands of Iranians and freely admits that it sentences individuals to death for homosexual sex.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people in Iran face severe challenges not experienced by non- LGBTQ residents. Sexual activity between members of the same sex is illegal and can be punishable by death, [2][3][4] and people can legally change their sex at birth only through sex reassignment surgery. LGBT rights in Iran have come in conflict with the penal code since the s. Gay Iran simply does not exist! For gay travelers wishing to visit, we strongly recommend you follow these simple rules to make your trip SAFE and fun. Iran's human rights record is dire.
The imagery reminded me of my visit to Isfahan a few weeks earlier, where the local guide had pointed at a mural inside the auditorium of Chehel Sotoun, a huge 17th-century royal pleasure pavilion. It depicted same-sex couples – both gay and lesbian – at the court of the Shah, the ruler of Iran. Copyright - irantour. tours all right reserved. There is no reason why LGBTI travelers shouldn't visit Iran.
Despite pressure, discrimination, and persecution from one of the most repressive regimes in the world, Iran’s vibrant LGBTQ community has survived, buoyed by a network of citizens and dedicated expats. After all, homosexuality is technically illegal here. Consensual sex between two adult males is punishable by death. Tafkhiz - defined as the rubbing together of thighs or buttocks - is punishable by lashes.