Bahrain, Middle East

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an island microstate in the Persian Gulf. Bahrain is known as one of the more tolerant Muslim nations in the Middle East, and has recently undergone a period of political liberalization. However, homosexuality remains a crime, and the government has periodically deported expatriates living in the nation for their sexual orientation. Homosexuality has been considered illegal in Bahrain since 1956 when, as part of the British Empire, it was given the Indian Penal Code. Article 377 of this code made "unnatural sexual behaviour" a crime punishable with imprisonment not to exceed ten years, or deportation for twenty years of a fine. The law remains in effect today, and seems also to apply to cases of adultery. However, the law seems to be rarely enforced. The subject of homosexuality in Bahrain is rarely discussed in the newspapers, although it is not a forbidden topic.