Egyptian NGO investigated for promoting safe sex for gay couples
Organization raising awareness of STDs could be shuttered if found guilty of violating 'morality laws'
The Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity opened an investigation into a non-governmental organization for raising awareness of sexually transmitted diseases and promoting safe sex among same-sex couples.
According to a report in the independent media outlet Mada Masr Sunday, a private citizen filed a complaint against the organization — which was not named — for violating an Egyptian ban on NGO activity that is “threatening national unity, violating public order or morality.”
If found guilty of violating the law, the ministry may shutter the organization.
Social Solidarity Minister Ghada Wali ordered an investigation into the NGO following the complaint.
The complainant secretly filmed a meeting held by the Giza-based organization which allegedly exposes the “NGO members teaching same-sex partners lessons in safe sex,” the report said, citing Egyptian news outlet Al-Ahram.
The organization was involved in “warning citizens about the fatal dangers of HIV and AIDS, as well as means of prevention,” sources in the ministry said.
Numerous human rights organizations have harshly criticized the recent crackdown on homosexual activity that has led to the arrest of more than 150 Egyptians since President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi took office.
While Egyptian law does not specifically outlaw homosexuality, those suspected of engaging in homosexual activity can be charged under the country’s morality laws which prohibit debauchery and other indecent public acts.
In November, eight men were found guilty of “inciting debauchery” and spreading indecent images after circulating a video that appeared to show a marriage ceremony between two men.
A month later, 26 men were arrested for allegedly participating in a “gay sex party” at a Cairo bathhouse. Their arrests sparked international condemnation, and all the defendants were acquitted in January.