Last edited: May 31, 2004


Somalia

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

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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