Homosexuality in Azerbaijan
16/04/2006
Submitted by
azerbaijanian gay community
Homosexuality is not well seen and public homosexual behaviour not tolerated, although a couple of bars seem to work as meeting places for the gay and lesbian community. The environment is more relaxed than in the central asian republics. Nevertheless gay visitors may consider keeping a low profile: anal intercourse between men was punished with 5 to 7 years in prison, by the former article 113 of the post-Soviet penal code, revoked only in September 2001. Currently article 150 only prescribes punishment for violent homosexual intercourse, which is punishable by 3-15 year imprisonment. Lesbian and non-penetrative gay sex between consenting adults is not explicitly mentioned in the laws as a criminal offence. In a recent presidential amnesty, prisoners convicted for homosexual acts were excluded from those released... Some transvestites, mainly Russians, offer their services in the city. There are no exclusively Gay bars, but a couple of bars have a mixed clientele, try 'Club 1033' on Bakhihanov avenue or 'Terrasse' by the Caspian sea.
Anyway, male or female, straight or gay, take your precautions, HIV infection levels are on the rise in Azerbaijan. Condoms are easily obtainable, but check the quality and expire date.
Pornography is easily and cheaply obtainable in Baku, although not in most other places. Pornographic images, either printed or recorded may cause problems when crossing the border. If you are taking not hard-core, but mere nudity or erotic materials you should have no problems, but you should not take any unnecessary risks with Azeri borders guards, who are always on the lookout to make a few extra Euros.
If you would like to meet people for marriage, friendship, travel, sex or other purposes you may place an ad on the free ads page.
Drugs are very prevalent and open in Baku, although illegal. Not surprising considering the geography of the country and it's neighbours. However, as a foreigner, if you are caught with drugs, expect severe police harassment and the need to pay very stiff bribes at a minimum! The quality is reputed to be good and adultered drugs are rare. Synthetic drugs shipped form Russia are also claiming their market niche.
Anyway, male or female, straight or gay, take your precautions, HIV infection levels are on the rise in Azerbaijan. Condoms are easily obtainable, but check the quality and expire date.
Pornography is easily and cheaply obtainable in Baku, although not in most other places. Pornographic images, either printed or recorded may cause problems when crossing the border. If you are taking not hard-core, but mere nudity or erotic materials you should have no problems, but you should not take any unnecessary risks with Azeri borders guards, who are always on the lookout to make a few extra Euros.
If you would like to meet people for marriage, friendship, travel, sex or other purposes you may place an ad on the free ads page.
Drugs are very prevalent and open in Baku, although illegal. Not surprising considering the geography of the country and it's neighbours. However, as a foreigner, if you are caught with drugs, expect severe police harassment and the need to pay very stiff bribes at a minimum! The quality is reputed to be good and adultered drugs are rare. Synthetic drugs shipped form Russia are also claiming their market niche.
