The Secretary-General of the Iranian High Council for Human Rights has described homosexuality as a western “disease,” and said that same-sex marriage was “immoral.”
General Mohammad Javad Larijani allegedly made these remarks in Tehran during a visit by a lawmaker from the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Tom Koenigs, who chairs the human rights committee in Germany’s parliament, according to a report by Radio Free Europe.
The Islamic Republic of Iran considers "Homosexuality a Western Disease."
In Iran and under strict Islamic law, homosexuality is punishable by death.
“The West says that the marriage of homosexuals should be allowed under the human rights charter, however, we think it is sexual immorality and a disease,” he was quoted as stating to his German counterpart, in Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency.
This statement is consistent with the harsh sentences and treatment of LGBT people in Iran that enforces and enacts the death penalty for same-sex acts.
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad drew international criticism in 2007 when he said during a visit to Columbia University in the United States that there were no homosexuals in his country.
United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon chastised States in September 2010 by stating:
"The responsibilities of the United Nations and the obligations of States are clear. No-one, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. No-one should be prosecuted for their ideas or beliefs. No-one should be punished for exercising their right to freedom of expression."
Here at Kentucky Equality Federation, President Jordan Palmer issued a brief statement condemning the statement of General Mohammad Javad Larijani and urged ILGA to bring the issue before the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights. Kentucky Equality Federation is an official, voting, dues paying member of the world organization, ILGA, which has consultative status at the United Nations.
Palmer's statement also stated: "General Mohammad Javad Larijani is in self denial if he believes homosexuality is a disease. LGBTGI people are in every State of the United Nations, in every city. If the execution of homosexuals does not stop, additional sanctions should be placed on Iran in-line with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's statement. This could quickly create another culture war at the United Nations."
UPDATE: Our friends at Hillbilly Report has researched this issue in great detail. Excellent work!
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