The Challenges Faced by Lesbian Women in Mauritania Under Discriminatory Laws

"Double Punishment: The Challenges Faced by Lesbian Women in Mauritania Under Discriminatory Laws"

In a traditional society governed by laws rooted in Islamic Sharia, women in Mauritania face compounded legal and social challenges. While women, in general, endure discrimination in various aspects of their daily life, lesbian women face an even more complex and dangerous reality. This article explores the punishments faced by lesbian women in Mauritania, highlighting the laws that exacerbate their marginalization and make it difficult for them to live with dignity and freedom.

Legal Punishments Against Lesbians in Mauritania

Homosexuality in Mauritania is considered a crime punishable by severe penalties, including the death penalty. This is based on Article 308 of the Mauritanian Penal Code, which stipulates the execution of men accused of engaging in homosexual acts. Although the legal text focuses more on homosexual relationships between men, lesbian women are also subject to legal persecution, albeit in different ways that include imprisonment and flogging.

In addition, lesbian women suffer from horrific social punishments, such as female genital mutilation as a punitive tool. This brutal practice is imposed on lesbian women to break their will and re-discipline them according to societal norms. A lesbian woman may also be confined to a mental and psychological health institution, where her mental strength is stripped away in the eyes of the law and society. Families often inform the community that their daughter is "insane" to justify her behavior, using this as a means to isolate and control her.

Double Discrimination: Being a Woman and a Lesbian

Being a lesbian woman in Mauritania means facing two forms of discrimination: gender-based discrimination and sexual orientation-based discrimination. Lesbian women in Mauritania live under immense social pressure, as they are considered outcasts in society and face rejection from their families and communities. This rejection is often supported by laws that marginalize women and criminalize homosexuality, further compounding their problems.

They face additional challenges, such as travel restrictions due to the patriarchal authority that controls decision-making within families and society. Often, government agencies and local authorities are influenced by this tribal mentality, making it difficult for them to secure their rights to move freely or seek safe refuge.

Religious Treatment and Social Stigmatization

Lesbian women in Mauritania are subjected to attempts to "cure" their homosexuality by religious clerics. They are forced to resort to "treatment" through the Quran and traditional religious rituals to compel them to renounce their sexual orientation. These practices are not only ineffective but also a blatant violation of human rights, exacerbating the suffering of these women.

Psychological and Social Impact

These punishments and marginalization lead to severe psychological and social consequences for lesbian women in Mauritania. Many suffer from social isolation, depression, and chronic anxiety. In the absence of any legal or social support, their options are extremely limited, driving some to flee the country in search of safety and acceptance elsewhere.

Advocating for Change

The current situation requires significant efforts from the international community and human rights organizations to press for reforms in Mauritania's laws concerning women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights. It is essential to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by lesbian women in Mauritania and to provide support through legal and psychological assistance programs.

Lesbian women in Mauritania face punishments and challenges that go beyond the mere criminalization of homosexuality. They suffer from multidimensional marginalization under laws that restrict their freedoms and curtail their fundamental rights. It is crucial to support these women through local and international efforts that promote human rights and work towards changing the laws that violate their dignity and rights.