Lesbian in Muslim world: dangerous love

While most of the world made a considerable progress coming out of the closet, there are only lesbians from the Middle East who can openly reveal their sexual orientation.

Lesbian relationships in religious focus

Basically, relationships between lesbians are called "sihag" and are considered a deadly sin in Islamic world. Other word to refer to such sort of relationships is "zina"(sexual relationships for unmarried couples). The punishment prescribed for lesbians can vary from public condemnation to beating and death penalty.

Generally speaking, sexual activity for is only accepted for married couples between a man and a woman. Such things as sodomy(anal intercourse between men), tribadism(genital rubbing), bestiality (anal intercourse between a man and a woman), necrophilia and other sexual activities are strictly forbidden, but legal restrictions are not yet defined.

Lesbians in the ancient times

Many experts think that Islamic polygamy encourages same-sex relationships between women. Medieval literature depicts a great variety of lesbian acts in harems. As hundreds of women, including slave concubines, wives and favored women didn't get on well. Sexual needs were mostly not satisfied as husband used to choose a limited number. Some of these women agreed on lesbian relationships.

In modern Muslim families, a man is allowed to have no more than four wives, though it requires certain time and well-being. Women living in a polygamous families are often predisposes women for lesbian relationships.

Modern Muslim society and lesbians

Lesbian love is a taboo in Muslim culture as this sort of relationships go against religion but also diminishes the role of a man.

Most laws in Islamic countries recognize that same-sex relationships take place, though condemnation of heterosexual relationships aside from marriage bonds is greater than those referred to as lesbian activity. Even in this case, gay are under more stress than lesbians are. In spite of the fact that modern Muslim society is more loyal, still many Muslim people are very disciplined to follow the basic principles, concerning marriage, divorce and other personal issues.

Qur'an as the main religious source in Muslim countries, has some mentioning of the gay relationships which is absolutely forbidden, but is not so restrictive towards lesbian couples.

Saudi Arabia now faces the increase of lesbian couples that appear among schoolgirls and students. Although, kissing women are considered to be a "disgusting act contradicting Islamic laws), fortunately there is no punishment for such behavior. Though some people ask for treatment for "perverts".

Lesbians from Iran consider themselves lucky as in comparison with gays that are subject to death penalty. And though there is no social problem called "lesbian relationships", there are no places for lesbians where they could meet.

Palestinian parents are worried about their children's lesbian inclinations asking for advice at local religious centers. There experts say that lesbian relationships are sinful by nature.

First lesbian conference takes part first time this year in Israel. Lesbian organizations are minorities involving only small amount of women who are brave enough to declare their rights and say everyone about their existence.