There are still many countries in which being gay can attract the death penalty for engaging in same-sex sexual relations. Of these countries, all are located in Central Africa or in the Middle East.
There are the countries places on earth that have specific laws which call for the death penalty of those who are found to have engaged in homosexual acts.
Afghanistan
Men could face execution but are more likely to receive long prison sentences. No executions are known to have been handed out since the end of the Taliban rule.
Brunei*
Gay men in Brunei could be stoned or given 10 years in prison if found guilty of homosexual acts.
Iran
In Iran, gay men can be lashed up to 74 times for “immature men” and the death penalty for mature men of sound mind – and where the acts were consenting. Women can be lashed 50 times and can face the death penalty after their fourth conviction.
Mauritania
Homosexuality is against the law in Mauritania and could attract the death penalty, however, there have been no public executions since 1987.
Qatar
In Qatar, gay men may face execution if they are Muslim otherwise men can face fines and a prison sentence which lasts 7 years.
Saudi Arabia
A second conviction of homosexuality in Saudi Arabia will land a death penalty. For the first offence, men can face fines, castration, flogging, prison and torture.
Sudan
Homosexuality has been illegal in Sudan since 1899. Death penalty occurs on the third offence for men and four offences for women.
Yemen
Married men can expect to be stoned to death if caught having same-sex relations. Unmarried men will receive 100 lashes or one-year imprisonment.
Libya
Gay men could face death in Libya.
Nigeria
Homosexuality is illegal in some states of Nigeria and could attract the death penalty. These states include: Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara
Somalia
Homosexuality is illegal in Somalia and could attract a death penalty. Islamic courts have sentenced men to their deaths using Sharia law as their legal basis.
Syria
The actual penalty that gay men should face for homosexual acts is a prison for up to 3 years, however, due to the rise in ISIS a highly advertised death awaits those found guilty of engaging in same-sex sexual acts.
Iraq
Despite homosexuality not being illegal in Iraq, there have been reported executions of gay men in ISIS-controlled areas.
* Brunei is a Sovereign state and not a country.
There are some countries where although capital punishment might not be constitutionally ratified there are cases where gay people have been killed because of their sexuality.
