Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASMARA445
2009-12-31 13:38:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
ERITREA: HUMAN RIGHTS TRENDS REGARDING SEXUAL
how-toVZCZCXRO9102 RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMA RUEHMR RUEHPA RUEHRN RUEHTRO DE RUEHAE #0445 3651338 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 311338Z DEC 09 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0655 INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC RUMICEA/JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL RUEPADJ/CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ RHRMDAB/COMUSNAVCENT RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
UNCLAS ASMARA 000445
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF FRONT OFFICE
AF/RSA FOR LOUIS MAZEL, LAURA GRIESMER, LEARNED DEES
DEPT FOR AF/E AND DRL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV ER
SUBJECT: ERITREA: HUMAN RIGHTS TRENDS REGARDING SEXUAL
ORIENTATION
REF: STATE 137065
UNCLAS ASMARA 000445
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF FRONT OFFICE
AF/RSA FOR LOUIS MAZEL, LAURA GRIESMER, LEARNED DEES
DEPT FOR AF/E AND DRL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV ER
SUBJECT: ERITREA: HUMAN RIGHTS TRENDS REGARDING SEXUAL
ORIENTATION
REF: STATE 137065
1. (SBU) In response to reftel A, homosexual conduct is
criminalized under Article 600 of the Penal Code of 1957,
inherited from Ethiopia, as an "unnatural carnal offence."
Homosexual conduct is punishable by "simple imprisonment,"
which is reserved for lesser offences. In cases involving
adults and minors, the minor is exempt from punishment if the
adult is considered at fault. According to a high courts
judge, Eritrea continues to prosecute individuals under
Article 600 of the Penal Code.
2. (SBU) Eritrea is a conservative society that considers
homosexual behavior a moral crime. Homosexuality is often
met with ridicule and persecution. Because sexual
orientation is not openly discussed, the size of the
homosexual population in Eritrea remains unknown.
McMullen
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR AF FRONT OFFICE
AF/RSA FOR LOUIS MAZEL, LAURA GRIESMER, LEARNED DEES
DEPT FOR AF/E AND DRL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV ER
SUBJECT: ERITREA: HUMAN RIGHTS TRENDS REGARDING SEXUAL
ORIENTATION
REF: STATE 137065
1. (SBU) In response to reftel A, homosexual conduct is
criminalized under Article 600 of the Penal Code of 1957,
inherited from Ethiopia, as an "unnatural carnal offence."
Homosexual conduct is punishable by "simple imprisonment,"
which is reserved for lesser offences. In cases involving
adults and minors, the minor is exempt from punishment if the
adult is considered at fault. According to a high courts
judge, Eritrea continues to prosecute individuals under
Article 600 of the Penal Code.
2. (SBU) Eritrea is a conservative society that considers
homosexual behavior a moral crime. Homosexuality is often
met with ridicule and persecution. Because sexual
orientation is not openly discussed, the size of the
homosexual population in Eritrea remains unknown.
McMullen