Homosexuality has always been criminalized in Afghanistan, with LGBTQ people risking potential prison time if their sexual orientation was made public. And even though they could technically be sentenced to death under the law, no death sentences had been handed down in the country since 2001, the last time the Taliban were in power. I don’t think I will ever speak in front of them.”Under the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Sharia law, homosexuality is prohibited and punishable by death. It’s not just the Taliban that LGBTQ people have to fear, but the surrounding society that was previously homophobic and may be emboldened by the Taliban’s rise to power. “As a gay person in Afghanistan, you cannot reveal yourself, even to your family or your friends,” Abdul said.

Source: MetroXpress August 23, 2021 16:41 UTC