Rosa Estaràs Ferragut· PPE

Confirmed

The Iranian regime applies the death penalty by hanging for homosexuality.

Omissions

• The legal framework differentiates between different acts - same-sex relations between men (lavat) are punishable by death, while same-sex acts between women (mosaheqeh) carry a penalty of 100 lashes, with death penalty applicable on the fourth conviction. The death penalty is rarely officially acknowledged as being for homosexuality alone, with authorities often charging individuals with other crimes such as rape or kidnapping.

Sources

• PrimaryUK Government - Country Policy and Information Note: Iran (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity)An LGBT+ person living openly in Iran is likely to be at risk of persecution. Same-sex acts between men are criminalized and punishable by death under Islamic law.
• PrimaryEUAA - Country Guidance: Iran 2025 (Persons with diverse SOGIESC)The Iranian legal system criminalizes same-sex acts under Islamic hadd crimes. Men who engage in same-sex conduct can face the death penalty.
• SecondaryIran Human Rights - Annual Report on the Death Penalty in Iran 2025Iran continues to apply the death penalty for various offenses including those related to morality and same-sex acts. Hanging remains the primary method of execution.
• SecondaryBBC News - Iran sentences two LGBT activists to deathZahra Seddiqi Hamedani and Elham Choubdar were sentenced to death in Iran in 2022 for 'spreading corruption on earth' through 'promoting homosexuality'.
• SecondaryHuman Dignity Trust - Iran Country ProfileIran criminalizes same-sex sexual activity between men and between women. The gender-neutral offense of 'livat' (sodomy) can be punishable by death.