Pinknews reports that the government in Bahrain is moving forward with legislation to rid the country of queers. “In a wide ranging set of proposals MP’s have set out a number of initiative designed to rid the country of homosexuals. Parliament also demanded that the Interior Ministry stop granting any residence permits to foreign homosexuals.” The proposals seek to permit teachers to punish children accordingly, if any homosexual tendencies are witnessed. The measures will further restrict homos from entering the country on work visas. 

Homosexuality has been considered illegal in Bahrain since 1956.  Queers, if convicted, are at risk of up to 10 years in prison. Bahrain is known as one of the more tolerant Muslim nations in the Middle East, and has recently undergone a period of political liberalization. However, homosexuality remains a crime, and the government has periodically deported expatriates living in the nation for their sexual orientation. In 2002 the government allegedly deported 2,000 gay Filipino workers for homosexual activity and prostitution.