A Muslim gay cleric who conducted same sex weddings in secret in Iran has been forced to leave the county after receiving death threats from fellow religious figures.

Homosexuality is banned in Iran and punishable by execution under the country’s strict Sharia law. Minors can receive 74 lashes for homosexual activity, while women can receive 50 lashes if convicted of lesbianism and face the death penalty after a fourth conviction.

In April 2014, Iran’s Supreme Leader described homosexuality as “moral bankruptcy” and “libidinous behaviour”, while in September of the same year, the Iranian Speaker of Parliament called homosexuality “modern Western barbarism”.

With homosexuality taboo in Iran, Taha, the gay mullah, attempted to keep his sexual orientation hidden, but was exposed after he began conducting gay weddings. 

Speaking to the BBC, Taha said: “Yes, I conducted gay weddings. The last few months were very difficult. The authorities questioned me several times about my choice of friends.

“They were saying I am a cleric and I shouldn’t be meeting gay men. The other mullahs were suspicious about my sexual orientation and threatened me with death.”

In Iran, mullahs wield huge power in the country and advise people on spiritual matters. These clerics are respected, but also feared for the power they hold.