Entry #485: Homosexual activity in Somalia

Current Version

Region	Somalia
Issue	Homosexual activity
Status	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Start Date	Apr 3, 1964
End Date	Jun 12, 2012
Description	Article 409 of the Somalian Penal Code of 1964, says that sexual intercourse with a partner of the same sex is punishable with an imprisonment of 3 months up to 3 years.
Sources	http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Penal_Code_English.pdf "http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/
Federal Law	Yes

Revision History (12)

Mar 26, 2025

edited by qcksws. setting as a federal law

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value (Current)
Federal Law	No	Yes

May 8, 2024

edited by Unknownmiles. Fixing date and description and removing a broken link also adding an end date

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Illegal (other penalty)	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Start Date	1991	Apr 3, 1964
End Date	(none)	Jun 12, 2012
Description	Under article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years. However, in an autonomous region of Jubaland homosexuality could be punished by the death penalty, in territories controlled by Al-Shabaab, homosexuality could be ‘de facto’ punishable by the death penalty aswell.	Article 409 of the Somalian Penal Code of 1964, says that sexual intercourse with a partner of the same sex is punishable with an imprisonment of 3 months up to 3 years.
Description	Show Difference Under article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years. However, in an autonomous region of Jubaland homosexuality could be punished by the death penalty, in territories controlled by Al-Shabaab, homosexuality could be ‘de facto’ punishable by the death penalty aswell. Article 409 of the Somalian Penal Code of 1964, says that sexual intercourse with a partner of the same sex is punishable with an imprisonment of 3 months up to 3 years.
Sources	http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Penal_Code_English.pdf "http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/ http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?docid=486a52e40"	http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Penal_Code_English.pdf "http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/
Sources	Show Difference http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Penal_Code_English.pdf "http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/ http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?docid=486a52e40" http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Penal_Code_English.pdf "http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/

Dec 13, 2023

edited by LGBTsoutheastasian. updated

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Illegal (death penalty as punishment)	Illegal (other penalty)
Description	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable with the death penalty. In 2013, the parliament of Somalia stipulates that homosexual acts could receive the death Penalty by its Sharia Code of interpretation enacted by Local laws. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common.	Under article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years. However, in an autonomous region of Jubaland homosexuality could be punished by the death penalty, in territories controlled by Al-Shabaab, homosexuality could be ‘de facto’ punishable by the death penalty aswell.
Description	Show Difference Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable with the death penalty. In 2013, the parliament of Somalia stipulates that homosexual acts could receive the death Penalty by its Sharia Code of interpretation enacted by Local laws. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common. Under article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years. However, in an autonomous region of Jubaland homosexuality could be punished by the death penalty, in territories controlled by Al-Shabaab, homosexuality could be ‘de facto’ punishable by the death penalty aswell.

Reports (1)
Status is not correct "Should be varies by region"
Dec 17, 2023

Jan 2, 2022

edited by Muhammadaji2022

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Description	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable with the death penalty. In 2013, the parliament of Somalia stipulates that homosexual acts could receive the death Penalty by its Sharia Code of interpretation. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common.	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable with the death penalty. In 2013, the parliament of Somalia stipulates that homosexual acts could receive the death Penalty by its Sharia Code of interpretation enacted by Local laws. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common.
Description	Show Difference Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable with the death penalty. In 2013, the parliament of Somalia stipulates that homosexual acts could receive the death Penalty by its Sharia Code of interpretation. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common. interpretation enacted by Local laws. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common.

Jan 2, 2022

edited by Muhammadaji2022

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Description	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable with the death penalty. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common.	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable with the death penalty. In 2013, the parliament of Somalia stipulates that homosexual acts could receive the death Penalty by its Sharia Code of interpretation. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common.
Description	Show Difference Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable with the death penalty. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common. In 2013, the parliament of Somalia stipulates that homosexual acts could receive the death Penalty by its Sharia Code of interpretation. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common.

Dec 9, 2021

edited by Muhammadaji2022

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Description	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable by the death penalty. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common.	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable with the death penalty. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common.
Description	Show Difference Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable by the death penalty. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common. with the death penalty. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common.

Dec 9, 2021

edited by Muhammadaji2022

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Description	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable by the death penalty. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also tolerated.	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable by the death penalty. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also common.
Description	Show Difference Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable by the death penalty. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also tolerated. common.

Nov 15, 2021

edited by Muhammadaji2022

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Start Date	Dec 16, 1962	1991

Nov 13, 2021

edited by Muhammadaji2022

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Description	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable by death. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also tolerated.	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable by the death penalty. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also tolerated.
Description	Show Difference Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable by death. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also tolerated. the southern state of Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable by the death penalty. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also tolerated.

Nov 13, 2021

edited by Muhammadaji2022

Helpful?

	Old Value	New Value
Value	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)	Illegal (death penalty as punishment)
Description	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years. But, in some Southern regions of Somalia, certain Islamic courts have imposed a death penalty for this, abiding by the Sharia law. In case of non serious offence, this reduces by one third.	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable by death. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also tolerated.
Description	Show Difference Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years. But, in some Southern regions of Somalia, certain Islamic courts have imposed a death penalty for this, abiding by the Sharia law. In case of non serious offence, this reduces by one third. years, but in an Autonomous Region of Somaliland in the Northwest , Homosexuality Is punishable by up to death. In some southern regions of Somalia under Al Shabab rule , any Homosexual acts can also be punished with death Penalty under local sharia laws. In Jubaland , homosexuality is also punishable by death. Vigilante Executions , beating , death sentences , tortures are also tolerated.

Apr 24, 2015

edited by danlev

Helpful?

	Old Value (Original)	New Value
Description	Act 409 states that Homosexual behaviours are punishable by imprisonment from 3 months to 3 years. In case of non serious offence, this reduces by one third.	Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years. But, in some Southern regions of Somalia, certain Islamic courts have imposed a death penalty for this, abiding by the Sharia law. In case of non serious offence, this reduces by one third.
Description	Show Difference Act 409 states that Homosexual behaviours are punishable by imprisonment from 3 months to 3 years. In case of non serious offence, this reduces by one third. Article 409 of the Somali Penal Code, 1973, mentions that sexual intercourse with a partner of same sex is punishable, and may result in an imprisonment for 3 months to 3 years. But, in some Southern regions of Somalia, certain Islamic courts have imposed a death penalty for this, abiding by the Sharia law. In case of non serious offence, this reduces by one third.
Sources	http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Penal_Code_English.pdf	http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Penal_Code_English.pdf "http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/ http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?docid=486a52e40"
Sources	Show Difference http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Penal_Code_English.pdf http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Penal_Code_English.pdf "http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/02/24/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death/ http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?docid=486a52e40"

Reports (2)
Status is not correct "The punishment is death penalty "
Aug 11, 2018
All information is correct, just adding sources "Is stoned to deaths
"
Nov 3, 2015

Nov 3, 2013

created by vviet93

Helpful?

	Original entry
Status	Illegal (imprisonment as punishment)
Start Date	Dec 16, 1962
End Date	(none)
Description	Act 409 states that Homosexual behaviours are punishable by imprisonment from 3 months to 3 years. In case of non serious offence, this reduces by one third.
Sources	http://www.somalilandlaw.com/Penal_Code_English.pdf