LGBT Crackdown in Egypt: Human Rights at Risk 
CTDC Policy Brief No. 5 – October 2017

Following the public display of a rainbow flag during a Mashrou’ Leila concert in Cairo on 22 September 2017, Egypt launched an aggressive crackdown against individuals suspected of being LGBT. Over 60 people were arrested, many subjected to arbitrary detention, torture, and forced anal examinations. The Egyptian authorities have escalated this campaign through the infiltration of safe spaces, online surveillance, and public incitement against LGBT individuals.

Though same-sex relations are not explicitly criminalised under Egyptian law, Law 10/1961 (on debauchery) and Law 58/1937 (on national security) are routinely used to persecute queer individuals and their allies. These laws are vaguely worded and arbitrarily enforced, criminalising both same-sex intimacy and public expressions of support for sexual and gender minorities, considering such support a threat to national security.

🔍 Key Issues Identified

• State violence includes detention without trial, torture, and sexual violence.

• Dating apps and social media platforms are being used to entrap individuals.

• Mainstream media and public figures are fuelling hate speech and calls for harsher penalties.

• Human rights defenders and allies are being targeted for expressing solidarity.

🛠️ Key Recommendations

• Immediate release of all individuals detained due to their sexuality or gender expression.

• Apply diplomatic pressure on the Egyptian government to halt the crackdown and repeal repressive laws.

• Provide support and protection for local LGBT groups operating under severe risk.

• Amend laws 10/1961 and 58/1937 to decriminalise non-normative sexualities and ensure basic rights.

This brief exposes the state-led persecution of queer individuals in Egypt, and calls for urgent, coordinated international action. CTDC and its partners urge policymakers, donors, and civil society to stand in solidarity with affected communities and push for inclusive, rights-based reform.

👉 To read the full policy brief, click here.