UAEG BACKS AWAY FROM THREAT TO IMPOSE HORMONE

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 004881 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR DRL, NEA/PI, NEA/ARPI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM KISL AE SUBJECT: UAEG BACKS AWAY FROM THREAT TO IMPOSE HORMONE THERAPY ON ARRESTED HOMOSEXUALS ¶1. (U) As widely reported in the local and international media, on November 23 the Abu Dhabi Police arrested 26 allegedly gay men who had gathered at an Abu Dhabi hotel for a party. The men were arrested on a tip by UAE nationals to police, according to the press. For several days the local media featured statements attacking homosexuality and the threat posed to society; among the statements was an assertion by an Interior Ministry official that the men could be subjected to "hormone therapy." According to today's press, the UAE Interior Ministry spokesman has now disavowed these statements. ¶2. (U) According to the Interior Ministry official originally quoted in the media, the men were transferred to the Ministry,s Social Support Center and would undergo "physical and psychological therapy" after their trial. Following their arrest, the Arabic edition of Dubai-based "Emirates Today" ran a photo of the men, who are UAE nationals, Arabs and Asians. On November 29, the press reported that the policeman suspected of distributing the photo to the press had been arrested in conjunction with the publication of the photo. ¶3. (U) According to the UAE penal code, the accused could be charged with committing an indecent act, prostitution, and adultery. (Note: In 2004, Sharjah and Fujairah Police arrested a group of gays at a party, who were subsequently lashed and released. There were no reports that the latter underwent any hormone treatment. End note.) ¶4. (U) The press quoted the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Awqaf saying that UAE society does not accept homosexuality. "There will be no room for homosexual and perverted acts in the UAE," he added. A UAE University professor labeled homosexuals "disciples of Satan." An Islamic scholar was quoted as saying that according to Islamic Shari'a laws, "a man who has intercourse with another man should be executed." ¶5. (SBU) Comment: Although UAE society officially rejects homosexuality for cultural and religious reasons, and considers discussion about it taboo, it is worth noting the extensive coverage the incident has received in the UAE,s English and Arabic press. Media coverage also suggests that the government, press, and public were not prepared to hold open dialogue on such a sensitive and controversial issue. SISON