Homosexuality and Law: An Alphabet - ALGERIA

Algeria

   

 According to Article 388 of the Algerian penal code (1996), sodomy may be punished with

imprisonment from 2 months, to 2 years and a fine of 10,000 Algerian dinars ($150).  Algerian public

attitudes toward gay people can be violently homophobic and homosexuals are often the

targets of assassination by Islamic fundamentalists.  "Honor killings" of gay people by their own

families (to avoid the 'shame' of homosexuality and the 'stain' upon a family) are common.

As in many countries where homophobia is the cultural norm, Algeria has seen a marked

increase in HIV infection in recent years.  Discussion of safe sexual practices, and of

homosexuality itself, is virtually impossible.  The fear of violence keeps the gay community

atomized, closeted, and unwilling to communicate freely even among themselves.


For a good discussion of day-to-day GLBT existence in Algeria, see "Being Gay in Algeria Today"  Article                                                                                                  

(source - Gay Maroc)