Homosexuality is taboo in Afghan society; according to the Penal Code, homosexual intimacy is punished by up to a year in prison. With the implementation of Sharia law, offenders can be punished by death; however, an ancient tradition involving male homosexual acts between youngsters and older men (typically wealthy or elite people) called ''bacha bazi'' persists. Despite being illegal, the people engaging in the act are not often punished.