IGLHRC Responds to Reports of Gay Man in India Beheaded After Sex
Sodomy Laws Contribute to Culture of Homophobia and Violence


(New York, NY) — The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) expressed its deep sorrow over the reported beheading of a young Indian man by a male co-worker who apparently told police he “was ashamed” after the two had sex. Known for its global human rights advocacy on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, IGLHRC blamed the tragic incident on a culture of shame and fear promoted by homophobia.

“The idea that we live in a world in which sex could be so shameful that it would lead someone to commit such a violent act is incomprehensible,” said Paula L. Ettelbrick, the executive director of IGLHRC. “Sadly, a global culture that has taught people to feel shameful of their sexuality has had tragic consequences for both of these young men.” According to reports posted on 365Gay.com and other news sites last week, 18-year-old bakery worker Naushad Pathan confessed to stabbing then beheading a male co-worker with whom he had just had sex. The torso and severed head of his victim were found outside of Vadodara, India.

IGLHRC cited sodomy laws as a main culprit in legitimizing and promoting homophobia and human rights abuses of LGBT people. IGLHRC has documented numerous cases from around the world in which sodomy laws have been used to justify police harassment of LGBT people, discrimination in the workplace, and adverse decisions involving LGBT parents.