If a seignior lay with his neighbor, when they have prosecuted him (and) convicted him, they shall lie with him (and) turn him into a eunuch. It speaks of a 'seignior' ( high social figure in the community) and his 'neighbor' (someone of equal social status): Ī particular Middle Assyrian Law Code from Assur, dating from 1,075 BC, condemns homosexual rape or forced sex. Nevertheless, a man taking the submissive role was perceived negatively in ancient Mesopotamia. A man had the rights to visit any gay prostitute or sleep with another man, just as long as false rumors or rape were not involved. In the ancient Assyrian society, the Almanac of Incantations featured prayers praising the equality of love between heterosexual and gay male couples. If a man copulates with his equal from the rear, he becomes the leader among his peers and brothers. The Šumma ālu, an Akkadian tablet, includes this code, where it regards male homosexuality in a positive light: LGBT history in Iraq and legality of same-sex sexual acts Ancient Mesopotamia 1.2 Kingdom of Iraq under British administration.1 LGBT history in Iraq and legality of same-sex sexual acts.
