Mesopotamian Law

Mesopotamian Law and Homosexuality

Neither the “Code” of Hammurabi for the Laws of Eshnunna seem to any mention of homosexual activity.

The Assyrian Laws of c. 1450-1250 BCE does seem to have a relevant provision.

The usual view is that these laws represent some kind of addition to the older law codes. The largest tablet mostly deals with laws pertaining to married women. The following provision is relevant:-

20. If a man has lain with his male friend and a charge is brought and proved against him, the same thing shall be done to him and he shall be made a eunuch.

From H.W.F Saggs, The Greatest That was Babylon, (New York: Hawthorn, 1962), 212