From 2007 – “don’t have homosexuals” in Iran
“In Iran, firstly, we do not have homosexuals like you have here [in this country]. In our country, such a thing does not exist.” – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, September 24, 2007
In general, when we say, “Oh no you didn’t say that,” we will be commenting on current, topical quotes by politicians, sports figures, entertainers, and other celebrities. However, in solidarity with the reform and democracy-seeking people in Iran, we will look at an oldie, but a goodie (baddie?) from 2007. The above quote is one translation of the first part of a several sentence jaw-dropper by the then-current and now, however legitimately (or not), re-elected President of Iran. Here is another, slightly longer translation, with crowd reaction added.
“In Iran, we don’t have homosexuals like in your country. [uproarious and derisive laughter from crowd] We don’t have that in our country. [more laughter, then turning into boos] In Iran, we do not have this phenomenon, I don’t know who has told you we have it.” [more laughter, mixed with more boos]
(See YouTube video of speech at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-sC26wpUGQ.)
As the crowed reaction indicated, this statement was a true howler – however, it ceases to be funny when the reality of the state of those charged with homosexuality or Lavat (sodomy) in Iran is understood. Fines, prison sentences, lashings, and in many, many cases, execution are the punishments for male and female homosexuality. Jessica Stern, researcher with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program at Human Rights Watch, said, regarding a 2005 execution of two men for homosexual conduct, “The execution of two men for consensual sexual activity is an outrage. The Iranian government’s persecution of gay men flouts international human rights standards.” Wikipedia states (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Iran), “Any type of sexual activity outside of a heterosexual marriage is forbidden [in Iran].”
The history of LGBT rights has been truly ghastly in Iran, especially since the 1979 revolution. For a moment and due to his ignorance and hypocrisy, the President of Iran gave us the opportunity to have a good laugh at his expense. So, for giving us a good chuckle for a minute, but shocking the sensibilities of tolerant, reasonable people throughout the world for many years, we say to you, Mr. Ahmadinejad:
