LGBT issues Human rights in Iran

homosexual acts , adultery criminal , punishable life imprisonment or death after multiple offenses, , same sentences apply convictions treason , apostasy. accused state of homosexual acts routinely flogged , threatened execution. iran 1 of 7 countries in world apply death penalty homosexual acts; of them justify punishment islamic law. judiciary not recognize concept of sexual orientation, , legal standpoint there no homosexuals or bisexuals, persons committing homosexual acts.

for years after iranian revolution, transgender people classified judiciary being homosexual , subject same laws. however, in mid-1980s, judiciary began changing policy , classifying transgender individuals distinct group, separate homosexuals, granting them legal rights. gender dysphoria officially recognized in iran today, , judiciary permits sexual reassignment surgery can afford it. in 1960s, ayatollah khomeini had issued ruling permitting gender reassignment, has since been reconfirmed ayatollah khamenei.

currently, iran has between 15,000 , 20,000 transsexuals, according official statistics, although unofficial estimates put figure @ 150,000. iran carries out more gender change operations country in world besides thailand. sex changes have been legal since late ayatollah ruhollah khomeini, spiritual leader of 1979 islamic revolution, passed fatwa authorising them 25 years ago. whereas homosexuality considered sin, transsexuality categorized illness subject cure. while government seeks keep approval quiet, state support has increased since ahmadinejad took office in 2005. government has begun providing grants of £2,250 operations , further funding hormone therapy. proposing loans of £2,750 allow undergoing surgery start own businesses.