I was completely appalled yesterday when I heard (via Glenn Reynolds, GayPatriot, and Michael Demmons) about the execution of two teenagers for homosexuality. I reacted with anger I still consider appropriate had the facts been as I read them. (Nick Packwood was similarly outraged.)

But as I noted in an update, the story kept changing. First it was a story about "theft and inciting public disorder," then it was homosexuality, and then (the latest) homosexual rape.

After an earlier post, I sent an email to an Iranian writer and activist who (quite understandably) has requested anonymity:

I am sorry to bother you, but I keep seeing these same pictures in a number of articles stating that the
youths were executed for homosexuality.

http://gayorbit.net/index.php?p=2459

The story keeps changing and it is very frustrating.
Is there any way to determine what really happened?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Eric Scheie

My apologies to all.

(It's my fault for not asking for advance permission to post the email.)

However, without quoting the email, I think I do come closer to understanding this issue than many Westerners. I have heard about Muslim mullahs raping young men they've sentenced to death for "sodomy." And clearly Iran today is a country run largely by such sociopaths.

As to sexuality, we in the West have a different way of processing these things, and as I have said many times, it my opinion we have come up with unnecessary divisions based on "sexualities" which are as varied as the individuals. But the bottom line here should not whether anyone is homosexual or heterosexual, or should be labeled "gay" as we do in this country. It's the human freedom to be left alone in matters of one's bedroom.

I don't think the right to be left alone is all that radical of an idea. It doesn't require bridging any gap between the ancient and modern worlds on matters of sexuality -- and I say this as someone who often tries to do exactly that. We can all have different opinions about these things. But killing other people over them -- that goes beyond civilized behavior, and I am glad to see that there are at least some Muslims who are against Islamo-Fascist killing mentality. (Via Glenn Reynolds, who says "if these people had blown something up, they'd be getting more press.")

The latter is the problem. For all the kvetching in the West about the absence of "moderate Muslims," why is such a deaf ear turned when a few brave souls do try to speak up?

When the West enables terrorist governments, it can expect more terrorism.

UPDATE: In a typically thoughtful post, Sean Kinsell shares his insights into gay Iranians, which he bases on personal experience.