Entry #432: Homosexual activity in Egypt

Current Version

Region	Egypt
Issue	Homosexual activity
Status	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Start Date	1937
End Date	(none)
Description	Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual acts. However, the state uses several morality provisions for the de facto criminalization of homosexual conduct. These public morality and public order laws have been used to target the LGBT community and reports of prison sentences for homosexual activity range from 3 months to 10 years. There were also reports of police officers assaulting LGBTQIA people and "forcibly soliciting bribes to avoid arrest, and forcing them to provide information concerning other LGBTQI+ individuals.". Furthermore, there are several reports of police using dating apps like Grindr or Tinder to lure LGB people into arrest on charges of debauchery or prostitution.
Sources	https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/ https://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/egypt/ Section 6 paragraphs 37-40 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-64390817 https://www.dw.com/en/lgbtq-rights-in-egypt-queer-community-battles-crackdown/a-65170739 https://www.humandignitytrust.org/country-profile/egypt/

Revision History (18)

Mar 23, 2025

edited by Unknownmiles. However fits better

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value (Current)
Description	Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual acts. Instead, the state uses several morality provisions for the de facto criminalization of homosexual conduct. These public morality and public order laws have been used to target the LGBT community and reports of prison sentences for homosexual activity range from 3 months to 10 years. There were also reports of police officers assaulting LGBTQIA people and "forcibly soliciting bribes to avoid arrest, and forcing them to provide information concerning other LGBTQI+ individuals.". Furthermore, there are several reports of police using dating apps like Grindr or Tinder to lure LGB people into arrest on charges of debauchery or prostitution.	Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual acts. However, the state uses several morality provisions for the de facto criminalization of homosexual conduct. These public morality and public order laws have been used to target the LGBT community and reports of prison sentences for homosexual activity range from 3 months to 10 years. There were also reports of police officers assaulting LGBTQIA people and "forcibly soliciting bribes to avoid arrest, and forcing them to provide information concerning other LGBTQI+ individuals.". Furthermore, there are several reports of police using dating apps like Grindr or Tinder to lure LGB people into arrest on charges of debauchery or prostitution.
Description	Show Difference Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual acts. Instead, the state uses several morality provisions for the de facto criminalization of homosexual conduct. These public morality and public order laws have been used to target the LGBT community and reports of prison sentences for homosexual activity range from 3 months to 10 years. There were also reports of police officers assaulting LGBTQIA people and "forcibly soliciting bribes to avoid arrest, and forcing them to provide information concerning other LGBTQI+ individuals.". Furthermore, there are several reports of police using dating apps like Grindr or Tinder to lure LGB people into arrest on charges of debauchery or prostitution. However, the state uses several morality provisions for the de facto criminalization of homosexual conduct. These public morality and public order laws have been used to target the LGBT community and reports of prison sentences for homosexual activity range from 3 months to 10 years. There were also reports of police officers assaulting LGBTQIA people and "forcibly soliciting bribes to avoid arrest, and forcing them to provide information concerning other LGBTQI+ individuals.". Furthermore, there are several reports of police using dating apps like Grindr or Tinder to lure LGB people into arrest on charges of debauchery or prostitution.

Mar 23, 2025

edited by DaisyGeekyTrans. Adding start date.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Start Date	(unknown)	1937
Sources	https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/ https://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/egypt/ Section 6 paragraphs 37-40 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-64390817 https://www.dw.com/en/lgbtq-rights-in-egypt-queer-community-battles-crackdown/a-65170739	https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/ https://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/egypt/ Section 6 paragraphs 37-40 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-64390817 https://www.dw.com/en/lgbtq-rights-in-egypt-queer-community-battles-crackdown/a-65170739 https://www.humandignitytrust.org/country-profile/egypt/
Sources	Show Difference https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/ https://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/egypt/ Section 6 paragraphs 37-40 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-64390817 https://www.dw.com/en/lgbtq-rights-in-egypt-queer-community-battles-crackdown/a-65170739 37-40 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-64390817 https://www.dw.com/en/lgbtq-rights-in-egypt-queer-community-battles-crackdown/a-65170739 https://www.humandignitytrust.org/country-profile/egypt/

Feb 18, 2025

edited by jadeywadey. expanded sources and desc and fixed status

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	(REMOVED)	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Special Status	Ambiguous	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Start Date	2000	(unknown)
Description	Contemporary Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual acts. Instead, the state uses several morality provisions for the de facto criminalization of homosexual conduct. Any behavior, or the expression of any idea that is deemed to be immoral, scandalous or offensive to the teachings of a recognized religious leader may be prosecuted using these provisions. These public morality and public order laws have been used to target the LGBT community.	Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual acts. Instead, the state uses several morality provisions for the de facto criminalization of homosexual conduct. These public morality and public order laws have been used to target the LGBT community and reports of prison sentences for homosexual activity range from 3 months to 10 years. There were also reports of police officers assaulting LGBTQIA people and "forcibly soliciting bribes to avoid arrest, and forcing them to provide information concerning other LGBTQI+ individuals.". Furthermore, there are several reports of police using dating apps like Grindr or Tinder to lure LGB people into arrest on charges of debauchery or prostitution.
Description	Show Difference Contemporary Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual acts. Instead, the state uses several morality provisions for the de facto criminalization of homosexual conduct. Any behavior, or the expression of any idea that is deemed to be immoral, scandalous or offensive to the teachings of a recognized religious leader may be prosecuted using these provisions. These public morality and public order laws have been used to target the LGBT community. community and reports of prison sentences for homosexual activity range from 3 months to 10 years. There were also reports of police officers assaulting LGBTQIA people and "forcibly soliciting bribes to avoid arrest, and forcing them to provide information concerning other LGBTQI+ individuals.". Furthermore, there are several reports of police using dating apps like Grindr or Tinder to lure LGB people into arrest on charges of debauchery or prostitution.
Sources	https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/	https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/ https://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/egypt/ Section 6 paragraphs 37-40 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-64390817 https://www.dw.com/en/lgbtq-rights-in-egypt-queer-community-battles-crackdown/a-65170739
Sources	Show Difference https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/ https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/ https://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/egypt/ Section 6 paragraphs 37-40 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-64390817 https://www.dw.com/en/lgbtq-rights-in-egypt-queer-community-battles-crackdown/a-65170739

Mar 1, 2024

edited by maansf. homosexuality is ambiguous in egypt

Helpful?

-1

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)	(REMOVED)
Special Status	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)	Ambiguous
Description	Three months to 3 years in prison. May be placed in "special reformatory" upon completion of prison sentence. Fine between 25 LE and 300 LE (US$3 and $40).	Contemporary Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual acts. Instead, the state uses several morality provisions for the de facto criminalization of homosexual conduct. Any behavior, or the expression of any idea that is deemed to be immoral, scandalous or offensive to the teachings of a recognized religious leader may be prosecuted using these provisions. These public morality and public order laws have been used to target the LGBT community.
Description	Show Difference Three months to 3 years in prison. May be placed in "special reformatory" upon completion of prison sentence. Fine between 25 LE and 300 LE (US$3 and $40). Contemporary Egyptian law does not explicitly criminalize same-sex sexual acts. Instead, the state uses several morality provisions for the de facto criminalization of homosexual conduct. Any behavior, or the expression of any idea that is deemed to be immoral, scandalous or offensive to the teachings of a recognized religious leader may be prosecuted using these provisions. These public morality and public order laws have been used to target the LGBT community.

Reports (1)
All information is correct, just adding sources "Please add this info that is in the link provided:

Type of law: Outlaws same-sex relations Same-Sex Conduct Name of law: Law 10/1961 on the Combating of Prostitution, article 9(c), article 1. Category of offense: Debauchery
 Legal provision(s): Habitually engaging in fujur (debauchery); incitation to debauchery
 Sentence: Three months to 3 years in prison. May be placed in "special reformatory" upon completion of prison sentence. Fine between 25 LE and 300 LE (US$3 and $40). https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/"
Jan 16, 2025

Dec 18, 2023

edited by LGBTsoutheastasian. Wikipedia can’t be classified as a reliable source, please read Equaldex policies again. This will also be categorized as imprisonment as punishment aswell.

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Illegal (other penalty)	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Description	Under morality laws punishment up to 17 years with hard labor, fines, and deportation[1	Three months to 3 years in prison. May be placed in "special reformatory" upon completion of prison sentence. Fine between 25 LE and 300 LE (US$3 and $40).
Description	Show Difference Under morality laws punishment up to 17 years with hard labor, fines, and deportation[1 Three months to 3 years in prison. May be placed in "special reformatory" upon completion of prison sentence. Fine between 25 LE and 300 LE (US$3 and $40).
Sources	https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Egypt	https://features.hrw.org/features/features/lgbt_laws/

Reports (2)
Status is not correct "I have read that it is legal in egypt"
Feb 21, 2024
Note field is incorrect "May need to specify that homosexuality is criminalised under vague morality laws"
Dec 24, 2023

Sep 7, 2023

edited by Vito12. Making this change because it is not correct.

Helpful?

-1

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)	Illegal (other penalty)

Sep 6, 2023

edited by LGBTsoutheastasian. it still actually means maximum imprisonment penalties

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Illegal (other penalty)	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)

Jul 9, 2023

edited by Vito12. If this is wrong please change it

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	(REMOVED)	Illegal (other penalty)
Special Status	Ambiguous	Illegal (other penalty)
Description	While homosexuality itself is not technically illegal in Egypt, Equaldex characterizes it as illegal in practice. Courts have convicted people for homosexual acts using "breaching laws on public decency" and "debauchery" and "abnormal sexual relations."	Under morality laws punishment up to 17 years with hard labor, fines, and deportation[1
Description	Show Difference While homosexuality itself is not technically illegal in Egypt, Equaldex characterizes it as illegal in practice. Courts have convicted people for homosexual acts using "breaching laws on public decency" and "debauchery" and "abnormal sexual relations." Under morality laws punishment up to 17 years with hard labor, fines, and deportation[1
Sources	http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42150593 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/local-laws-and-customs	https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Egypt
Sources	Show Difference http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42150593 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/local-laws-and-customs https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Egypt

Nov 1, 2022

edited by LGBTsoutheastasian

Helpful?

-1

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)	(REMOVED)
Special Status	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)	Ambiguous

Reports (3)
Newer law has been passed "Its illegal"
Jul 9, 2023
Status is not correct "Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by jail in Egypt."
Jan 9, 2023
Status is not correct "Since it’s technically illegal, why did you state it as “ambiguous” ?"
Nov 12, 2022

Jul 18, 2022

edited by omalpau

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	(REMOVED)	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Special Status	Ambiguous	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)

Jun 28, 2022

edited by XabBG

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)	(REMOVED)
Special Status	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)	Ambiguous

Jun 24, 2022

edited by Jackninja5

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Start Date	(unknown)	2000

Jul 3, 2021

edited by danlev

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Sources	http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42150593	http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42150593 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/local-laws-and-customs
Sources	Show Difference http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42150593 http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42150593 https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/local-laws-and-customs

Reports (3)
Newer law has been passed 
Mar 9, 2022
Status is not correct "I know many homosexual friends and non of them has been punished legally maybe bullied but not prisoned"
Dec 10, 2021
Other "" while homosexuality itself is not technically illegal in Egypt- ", actually no, it is illegal. Even when we don't " act upon our desires ", if you tolf a friend you were homosexual ( even if you were single ) and your friend reported you to the police with the screenshot / voice note, you will get the same punishment as if you would get getting caught in sexual acts."
Dec 8, 2021

Jul 3, 2021

edited by danlev

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Legal	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Description	While homosexuality is not technically illegal in Egypt, courts have convicted people for homosexual acts using "breaching laws on public decency."	While homosexuality itself is not technically illegal in Egypt, Equaldex characterizes it as illegal in practice. Courts have convicted people for homosexual acts using "breaching laws on public decency" and "debauchery" and "abnormal sexual relations."
Description	Show Difference While homosexuality is not technically illegal in Egypt, courts have convicted people for homosexual acts using "breaching laws on public decency." itself is not technically illegal in Egypt, Equaldex characterizes it as illegal in practice. Courts have convicted people for homosexual acts using "breaching laws on public decency" and "debauchery" and "abnormal sexual relations."
Sources	http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm	http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42150593
Sources	Show Difference http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42150593

Jul 3, 2021

edited by danlev

Helpful?

-1

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)	Legal
Description	Offenders may be imprisoned from three months to three years.	While homosexuality is not technically illegal in Egypt, courts have convicted people for homosexual acts using "breaching laws on public decency."
Description	Show Difference Offenders may be imprisoned from three months to three years. While homosexuality is not technically illegal in Egypt, courts have convicted people for homosexual acts using "breaching laws on public decency."

Apr 29, 2014

edited by danlev

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Illegal (other penalty)	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Description		Offenders may be imprisoned from three months to three years.
Sources		http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm

Reports (8)
Status is not correct "both are illegal and"
Jun 14, 2021
Status is not correct "It is up to 6 years now"
Sep 2, 2020
Status is not correct "Illegal for both male and female"
Feb 24, 2019
Other "it should be reported that there is no a crime affecting direclty homosexuality, but rather it's a peculiar interpretation of the crime of debauchery that allows the courts to persecute homosexuality"
Aug 17, 2017
Other 
Aug 17, 2017
Status is not correct "Although homosexuality is not illegal under Egyptian law, homosexual acts in public are illegal and homosexuals have been convicted for breaching laws on public decency.  From https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/local-laws-and-customs"
Nov 1, 2016
Newer law has been passed "as of 2014, homosexuality is not illegal. http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/09/world/africa/egypts-gay-community-living-in-fear/"
Jan 13, 2016
Status is not correct "Male illegal, Female unclear http://old.ilga.org/Statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2013.pdf"
Jul 5, 2015

Apr 29, 2014

edited by danlev

Helpful?

	Old Value (Original)	New Value
Value	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)	Illegal (other penalty)
Description	Offenders may be imprisoned from three months to three years.
Sources	http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/egypt0304/9.htm

Oct 1, 2013

created by kevinkobori

Helpful?

	Original entry
Status	Illegal (other penalty)
Start Date	(unknown)
End Date	(none)
Description	(empty)
Sources	(empty)