Letter to Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United States - Saudi LGBTQ Community and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia

Letter

Dear Mr. Ambassador,

Recent media reports emanating from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have sparked considerable alarm in the United States. Particularly concerning are reports on the Joint Security Task Force to Fight against Sexual Anomaly, and the use of torture and capital punishment against the LGBTQ community.

Reports suggest that the task force investigates and charges members of the LGBTQ community as though they were pedophiles or rapists. There have also been reports that citizens identifying themselves as LGBTQ on social media can be punished by flogging or even execution.

These reports are highly concerning. Our country respects the sovereignty and cultural traditions of other nations. We want to be clear, however, that the persecution, torture and execution of members of the LGBTQ community are clear violations of human rights. Such actions will be an impediment to the mutually beneficial relations that should exist between our two nations.

The United States stands with oppressed peoples worldwide. Please know that we watch the treatment of LGBTQ individuals, women, victims of rape and domestic violence, religious and ethnic minorities and political dissenters with great interest.

Thank you for your attention to this letter.