Egypt: Information on the treatment of homosexuals by the state, by religious factions, by the general population and during military service, and on whether there are any organizations available to help homosexuals who have been targeted
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 March 1995 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | EGY20206.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Egypt: Information on the treatment of homosexuals by the state, by religious factions, by the general population and during military service, and on whether there are any organizations available to help homosexuals who have been targeted, 1 March 1995, EGY20206.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac5090.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to The Third Pink Book, "homosexual behaviour between consenting adults is not mentioned in the law as being a criminal offense" (1993, 276). In a telephone interview on 22 March 1995, an assistant professor in sociology specializing in Egyptian issues at the University of Ottawa stated that homosexuality is a criminal offense but that individuals are very rarely charged. The assistant professor, who was born in Egypt and who recently returned to Canada after teaching for two years at the American University in Cairo, indicated that often the reason to charge someone with homosexuality is to influence the case of someone already charged with another crime or to discredit a public person such as a politician (Ibid.).
According to one source, "little is known about homosexuals in the conservative, predominantly Islamic society of Egypt, where homosexuality is strictly taboo" (Reuters, 6 Jan. 1994). The Third Pink Book indicates that "homosexuality cannot be discussed openly ... still, it is possible to have homosexual contacts, if discretely" (1993, 276). The same book states that "there is no visible social support for gay and lesbian rights" (ibid.). The Associated Press (AP), reporting on a tour by Neil Miller, author of a book entitled Gay and Lesbian Life from Buenos Aires to Bangkok, states that
"in Egypt, men are free to have homosexual relationships, even if they are married. Few identify themselves as gay or homosexual, however. (Homosexuals are the passive partners in sex, according to Egyptian men - virtually none of whom would admit to ever playing that role)" (9 Dec. 1992).
The assistant professor at the University of Ottawa also stated during the telephone interview that homosexuality is widespread in Egypt but that people must be discreet about it, given that it is not accepted by the general public (22 March 1995). This source added that people with homosexual behaviour are generally not bothered as long as they keep it a secret given that if they go public they may lose friends and family (ibid.). The attitude in the army towards homosexuality is the same as in society in general. In the armed forces, homosexuality is widespread but kept discreet (ibid.).
For further information on the situation of homosexuals in Egypt, please consult the attached documents.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Assistant professor, Department of Sociology, University of Ottawa. 22 March 1995. Telephone interview.
The Associated Press (AP). 9 December 1992. AM Cycle. Kim I. Mills. "Gay and Lesbian Life From South America to Asia." (NEXIS)
Reuters. 6 January 1994. BC Cycle. "Egypt Man to Hang for Killing Yugoslav Boyfriend." (NEXIS)
The Third Pink Book: A Global View of Lesbian and Gay Liberation and Oppression. 1993. Edited by Aart Hendriks, Rob Tielman, and Evert Van Der Veen. Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books.
Attachments
The Associated Press (AP). 9 December 1992. AM Cycle. Kim I. Mills. "Gay and Lesbian Life from South America to Asia." (NEXIS)
Deutsche Presse-Agentur. 4 March 1995. BC Cycle. "Son Murders Homosexual Father in Egypt." (NEXIS)
The Herald [Glasgow]. 7 September 1994. Dominic Evans. "Vatican Stands Alone Against Compromise over Abortion." (NEXIS)
The Independent [London]. 10 October 1994. "Mayor Stoned." (NEXIS)
Los Angeles Times. 12 September 1994. Home Edition. "Talk on Gays Brings Media Rush in Cairo." (NEXIS)
_____. 29 November 1992. Home Edition. John Weir. "Out of the Closet and into the World; Out in the World: Gay and Lesbian Life from Buenos Aires to Bangkok by Neil Miller." (NEXIS)
Moneyclips. 18 November 1993. "Spreading the Anti-AIDS Message in Egypt." (NEXIS)
Reuters. 6 January 1994. BC Cycle. "Egypt Man to Hang for Killing Yugoslav Boyfriend." (NEXIS)
The Third Pink Book: A Global View of Lesbian and Gay Liberation and Oppression. 1993. Edited by Aart Hendriks, Rob Tielman, and Evert Van Der Veen. Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books, p. 276.
