We detached this subthread from https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=18521341 and marked it off-topic.

Because you don’t have to actually have sex to be arrested for homosexuality

Sure, because they would try to prosecute a foreigner for his sexuality during a science conference.

They might. Going somewhere where your existence is illegal is a dumb idea.

Why do you think they wouldn't? What an odd default assumption – that a country wouldn't enforce its laws.

Keep in mind that official enforcement isn't the only concern. Illegality can make people feel justified in taking matters into their own hands, and there have been anti-homosexual mobs and attacks in countries that recently criminalized homosexuality.

Oh well, just recently there was a thread about Canadians instructed to lie on US border that they never ever tried weed in their life unless they want to be banned. What makes you believe the same logic can't be applied here?

Is it worth that risk exposure?

You are going to have a great time if you ever travel to the US and other countries that force you to surrender social media usernames and in some case passwords.

There's so much more to sexuality than sex. What if a computer scientist wants to bring his boyfriend? And they probably blab about their relationship on social media like most couples regardless of orientation. No one should have to go back in the closet just to attend a conference.