Quote:How is it different?
Why is that different from masturbating? Is masturbation not a choice?
The way of life part is more relevant than the choice part, and I assume that's why you didn't respond to it.
Homosexuality is a way of life, masturbation is not (well not yet, who knows though, the way personal freedoms are taking off in the West), the choice factor relates to the way of life aspect. If someone were to commit a sexual act with someone of the same sex, that is not considered homosexuality, and is not apostasy from Islam, in and of itself. It is a sin and crime though and has it's relevant punishment (which I'm sure you know,, since you've memorised all of Islam's punishments thus far). But if someone claims themself to be a homosexual, and living a homosexual lifestyle, believing it to be a valid expression of sexual desires, then that person has apostasised and is no longer a Muslim.
Quote:So no physical punishment, just a few words?
In the later Ottoman times, ta'zeer punishments ranged from fines and mild lashings to short prison terms.
Quote:Is it the same for bestiality?
As I've stated on more than one occasion to you directly freediver, I've been unable to find any Islamic ruling on bestiality, indicating it probably has never been found to occur in Islamic society (Shi'a is not my business, they have their own seperate states and have done for almost 1000 years now, and as mentioned you should continue your questioning with them). But I will make a promise to you, if I ever did happen to come across a ruling on it, then you'll be the first to know, since I'm aware how much this topic interests you...