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People with a History: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans* History Sourcebook
Mesopotamian Law and Homosexuality
Neither the "Code" of Hammurabi for the Laws
of Eshnunna seem to any mention of homosexual activity.
The Assyrian Laws of c. 1450-1250 BCE does seem to have
a relevant provision.
The usual view is that these laws represent some kind of addition
to the older law codes. The largest tablet mostly deals with laws
pertaining to married women. The following provision is relevant:-
20. If a man has lain with his male friend and a charge is
brought and proved against him, the same thing shall be done to
him and he shall be made a eunuch.
Source.
From H.W.F Saggs, The Greatest That was Babylon, (New York: Hawthorn,
1962), 212
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© Paul Halsall, 1998
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© Site Concept and Design: Paul Halsall created 26 Jan 1996: latest revision 15 November 2024 [CV]
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