Information on the situation of homosexuals in Tunisia was limited among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints for this Response.

Homosexuality is still illegal in Tunisia and can carry a punishment of up to three years in prison (Kelmaghreb n.d.; Sodomy Laws 8 May 2004). According to Kelmaghreb, the first gay e-zine in Maghreb, homosexuals in Tunisia have not experienced any incidents similar to those that have occurred in Saudi Arabia (Kelmaghreb n.d.). However, the Kelmaghreb site indicated that several Websites are blocked in Tunisia, and that their own site is unavailable in Morocco and Algeria (ibid.).

According to the author of an article posted on the Tunisie, réveille-toi Website on 25 December 2002, the troubles encountered by homosexuals in Maghreb resemble the challenges that human rights activists face (Tunisie, réveille-toi 25 Dec. 2003). Furthermore, they are [translation] "repressed" not only by the authorities, but also by society in general (ibid.).

The author also noted that the subject of homosexuality is taboo in Tunisian society; the majority of homosexuals are therefore isolated, and those who assert their homosexuality are harassed (ibid.). There is only one gay meeting place in Tunisia-a large [translation] "dark" park that is frequently patrolled by the morality police (ibid.). The same source also stated that,

[translation]

. . . aside from this large park-which is dangerous-and two or three hammams that are not recommended, there is no clean place for us-for gays-to meet and talk and not feel so alone. There are no gay clubs or gay bars either, nor is there even an association for gays, although such places exist in Algeria and Morocco (ibid.).

Homosexuals in Tunisia must settle for meeting in coffee houses or at organized evening parties at the apartment of someone who lives alone (ibid.). Even so, according to some of the author's older countrymen, the situation has improved during the last decade (ibid.).

A representative of Pro Choice in Paris could not corroborate the information obtained by the Research Directorate within the time constraints for this Response.

For more information on the situation of homosexuals in Tunisia, please consult TUN42654.FE of 17 March 2004.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Kelmaghreb. n.d. "Interview de Karim Malki, responsable de Kelmaghreb." http://www.kelma.org/PAGES/DOCUMENTS/doc/islam_homo.rtf (Google cache) [Accessed 21 May 2004]

Sodomy Laws. 8 May 2004. "World Laws." http://www.sodomylaws.org/world/world.htm [Accessed 11 May 2004]

Tunisie, réveille-toi! 25 December 2002. Amine. "Tunisie : mirage d'un pays ouvert...." http://www.reveiltunisien.org/article.php3?id_article=291 [Accessed 21 May 2004]

Attempts to contact the following organizations were unsuccessful:

• - Amnesty International (Tunisia)
• - Arab Institute for Human Rights (Tunisia)
• - Comité pour le respect des libertés et des droits de l'homme en Tunisie
• - Conseil national pour les libertés en Tunisie
• - Tunisian League for Defending Human Rights