SUDAN: HUMAN RIGHTS TRENDS REGARDING SEXUAL

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000006 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF FRONT OFFICE AF/RSA FOR LOUIS MAZEL, LAURA GRIESMER, LEARNED DEES E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM SU SUBJECT: SUDAN: HUMAN RIGHTS TRENDS REGARDING SEXUAL ORIENTATION REF: 09 STATE 130765 ¶1. (SBU) In response to reftel A, same sex relationships are considered illegal under Sudanese Criminal Code, Article 148, as well as public order and Sharia laws in northern Sudan. Conviction under these statutes carries the same punishment as for adultery. Same-sex orientation citizens maintain a discrete, low-profile presence throughout Sudan. Post is not aware of any recent charges or convictions of individuals, in either the north or south, based on their same-sex orientation. ¶2. (SBU) Sudan is a religiously-conservative, predominantly Muslim country in which sexual orientation is not openly discussed. There are no gay rights movements in Sudan, nor are there any anti-gay organizations. Post has no information of any discrimination, harassment or arrests for anyone engaging in same-sex relationships. There is no pending or recently-passed, anti same-sex legislation. We are also unaware of any plans underway to introduce such legislation. ¶3. (SBU) Southern Sudan has a semi-autonomous government, and is not under Sharia law. However, its citizens are also subject to Sudanese Criminal Code, Article 148. As in the north, there are no pending legislative actions in the Government of Southern Sudan assembly to modify existing laws or introduce new ones regarding same-sex relationships. ASQUINO