NEW YORK, NY – A group of protesters who identified themselves as “Queers for Palestine” called for the liberation of Palestine, which has been operating for years under its own authority.
Hamas, the ruling party of the West Bank, launched a deadly terrorist attack on October 7 that left hundreds dead, including women, children and babies.
In New York City, the group shouted, “Queer rights, trans rights, we say no to genocide.”
Since 2007, Hamas has governed the Gaza Strip and made sexual relations between men illegal under its interpretation of Islamic law. Men convicted of engaging in homosexual activities can face imprisonment for up to 10 years.
Same-sex marriage is also outlawed in Palestine as many LGBTQ people in the West Bank and Gaza frequently are forced to flee to Israel for the right.
The Palestinian state police enforce codes of conduct based on moral principles, resulting in substantial police brutality against LGBTQ individuals. Harassment varies in severity and includes the disruption of events and physical violence against members of the community. In August 2019, the Palestinian Authority prohibited LGBTQ organizations from functioning in the West Bank after an event planned by Al Qaws was announced. The ban was lifted later that month due to public backlash.