United States President Donald Trump has been called out for claims made about Iran’s treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.
Last week (13 March), the 79-year-old Republican sat down with YouTuber Jake Paul, where he dismissed activists who oppose US military action against Iran, claiming that the Middle Eastern nation 'throws gays off buildings'.
Critics were quick to take issue with Trump's remarks, pointing to the fact that, earlier this year, immigration authorities under his administration tried to deport a gay Iranian couple back to Iran. The pair had fled after being arrested for alleged 'homosexual conduct', according to their lawyer.
They sought asylum in the States but were held in detention for over a year while facing removal proceedings that could have returned them to Iran, where same-sex relationships can be punished with imprisonment, flogging, or death.
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Rebekah Wolf, a staff attorney with the American Immigration Council who represents them, told Advocate: "They are textbook asylum cases.
"People from a country where who they are is criminalised and punishable by torture or death — that is literally the definition of an asylum seeker."
In the interview, Paul said he 'was a bit shocked that so many activists in America didn’t like it' when discussing Trump’s actions in Iran, adding: "Meanwhile, they were like, 'Oh, well, we support women. We want women to have all these rights.' Meanwhile, you’re liberating the women of Iran."
Trump continued: "We support gays, but they throw gays off the buildings."
After catching light of the president's comments, critics rushed to social media to share their thoughts, with one Instagram user writing: "Does he seriously think we believe he’s an ally?"
"Does he think that 'support' simply means not throwing people off of buildings?" questioned a second.
Another hit out: "Nothing screams 'ally' more than forcing the Stonewall pride flag removal."
And a final person added: "Donald Trump: 'We support the gays, but we'll send them to a place that doesn't'."
What is pinkwashing?
Pinkwashing is when a person, company, or government uses support for LGBTQ+ rights as a PR tool to improve its image, while its actions don’t fully match that support.
The term is often used in two main ways, the first being corporate.
Corporate pinkwashing may see brands roll out rainbow logos during Pride, sell themed products, or run inclusive adverts, but still fund anti-LGBTQ+ groups, treat LGBTQ+ staff poorly, or drop the messaging once the month ends.
The second way is political and includes governments or institutions highlighting their LGBTQ+ friendliness to distract from criticism in other areas, such as human rights issues.
LGBTQ+ rights in Iran
The official Gov.uk website states that the Islamic Penal Code criminalises all same-sex sexual activity.
The penalties range from flogging to the death penalty, depending on the nature of the sexual activity.
There are also no laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, and the law does not recognise LGBT+ couples.
This means that a same-sex couple cannot legally marry, have a civil union, or adopt children unless one of the couple undergoes a legal sex change.
People engaging in consensual same-sex sexual acts, or who are known to belong to the LGBT+ community, are convicted on the pretext of more severe criminal charges.
Meanwhile, the government permits, and may subsidise, gender reassignment surgery for people who are formally diagnosed as having a gender identity disorder.
"The process is invasive, and the surgery is often of a sub-standard quality," Gov.uk reports. "A trans person’s identity is recognised only after undergoing surgery, sterilisation, and a lengthy legal process.
"Trans people post-surgery generally experience greater acceptance by both the state and society, including better access to services."
LGBT+ people form a PSG (particular social group) in Iran within the meaning of the Refugee Convention.
Why Trump’s comments sparked debate
Trump's comments about Iran's treatment of the LGBTQ+ community sparked debate online, given that his administration has attempted to deport a gay Iranian couple back to the country.
"LGBTQ+ advocates say the argument reduces queer people to a political talking point, used to criticise foreign adversaries while sidestepping debates about LGBTQ+ rights at home," Advocate outlines.
Tyla has reached out to the White House for comment.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected]
Topics: LGBTQ, Donald Trump, Politics, US News, News, World News, Iran, Explained, Sex and Relationships, Social Media
Rhiannon Ingle