Local authorities in Abbottabad have detained a man in a mental hospital after he filed an application to establish a gay club in the city. The man, whose identity has not been disclosed, aimed to create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in a country where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to life imprisonment.
The application, submitted to the deputy commissioner (DC) of Abbottabad, outlined plans for a club that would serve as a “great convenience and resource for many homosexual, bisexual, and even some heterosexual people residing in Abbottabad in particular, and in other parts of the country in general.” The proposed name for the venue was the Lorenzo Gay Club.
The application emphasized that the club would not permit sexual activities on the premises, with a clearly visible notice stating, “no sex on premises,” to ensure compliance with Pakistan’s strict anti-sodomy laws, specifically PPC section 377. The applicant argued that the club would not violate any legal constraints, including outdated ones, and sought to provide a social and supportive environment for the community.
The filing of the application was met with severe backlash. The deputy commissioner’s office confirmed receiving the proposal and stated that it was being reviewed like any other application. However, the response from local authorities took a drastic turn, leading to the man’s detention in a mental health facility.