Behind the Mask

BEHIND THE MASK a website on gay and lesbian affairs in Africa

mauritania

about mauritania

official name: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
capital: Nouakchott
head of state: President Col. Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya
state: multi party republic
population: 2,7 million
independence: from France in 1960
languages: Hasaniya Arabic (official), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (official), French
religion: Muslim
currency: ouguiya (MRO)
media: NA

legal wise

status of homosexuality: illegal
age of consent: NA
laws covering homosexual activity: Sub-Article 331.3 of the Penal Code of the Federation of French West Africa, of which Mauritania was part before independence in 1960, allowed a maximum imprisonment of three years and a fine of one million francs for sexual acts with a person of the same sex under the age of 21. This Code was enacted in 1947 and retained under Article 60 of the Mauritanian Constitution. (Arno Schmitt and Jehoeda Sofer - "Sexuality and Eroticism Among Males in Moslem Societies") [Presumably this is superceded by the application of Sharia law] ILGA
Some sources say that the death penalty applies if sodomy is committed
background information and government attitudes: It appears that Shari'a law has been introduced. "Even in smaller countries like Yemen and Mauritania, homosexual behavior has become an offense punishable by death" (West & Green - Sociolegal Control of Homosexuality)

communication

mainline telephones: 26,000 (2000)
cellular telephones: NA
internet country code: .mr
internet service providers: 5 (2000)
internet users: 3,500 (2000)

links and contacts
NA

mauritanian gay granted political asylum in us
1997: For the first time a gay man from Mauritania was granted political asylum in the United States. In Mauritania, homosexuality is punished with the death penalty. After arriving in the US the applicant informed his family that he was gay. His father threatened to kill him and to inform the Islamic authorities if he were to return home.