After a published report by Okaz stated that lawmakers in Saudi Arabia are considering the death penalty for coming out as gay – even online – social media users began to trend the hashtag "لن_ترهبوني_أنا_مثلي" (You will not terrorize me I'm gay).
Responding to the questions, a spokesperson for the United States' Department of State said that the report's accuracy could not be verified, according to the Washington Blade . Regardless, the Twitterverse responded ...
The hashtag soon trended worldwide, with overwhelming support from social media users.
"A queer person could be your brother, your friend, your son. Homosexuality isn't a choice, how will you let them die for something they didn't choose?"
Many people on Twitter asked queer Saudis to stay safe and strong ...
However, some used the hashtag to support the reported law ...
"Respect the law of your country, if you don't like it go somewhere else and get your rights"
"God created Adam ♂ and Eve ♀"
"Homosexuality is in its worst forms and is spreading... there is no convincing argument except for sick people they are excused"