RIP Alireza Fazeli Monfared

Brutally killed and disposed of by his family because of his sexuality.

Cultural attitudes in society towards homosexuality are a literal life or death problem. What compounds the problem is when the laws of a state do not provide any protection.

As a baseline, it is important to understand that Iran's Islamic Penal Code explicitly criminalizes same-sex relations, even imposing the death penalty on individuals convicted of sodomy.

The evidentiary burden for proving that a homosexual act has occurred is difficult to overcome, but in Iran’s legal system, a judge, based on his own “knowledge,” can independently convict a person.

Although exact statistics are unavailable, sources estimate that hundreds of people have been executed for homosexual acts since the founding of the Islamic Republic in 1979.

The explicit criminalization of these acts contributes to an intense sense of fear and shame for individuals who wish to be themselves and live freely. It also creates a culture of impunity for families who frown upon their LGBTQI family members.

LGBTQI persons face abuse at home but legal protection against abusive family members is slim. The law gives parents extensive discretion in disciplining their children. Filing a complaint against abusive family can further endanger LGBTQI persons, so abuse is often unreported.