Africa
Mr Gay Namibia proudly marries his husband from Botswana
Ricardo Raymond Amunjera and Marc Omphemetse have wed in Johannesburg and plan their official wedding reception in Namibia this weekend Mr Gay Namibia, Ricardo Raymond Amunjera and his partner Marc Omphemetse Themba and have tied the knot in Johannesburg. The official wedding reception ceremony will take place at Namibia`s Hilton Hotel, this Saturday (20 April),… Read more »
Zambia threatens further criminalization of gays after human rights activist’s arrest
The Zambian Government has suggested that it will introduce harsher punishments for LGBT people after a human rights activist appeared on television to discuss gay rights Zambian Government ministers have suggested that penalties for LGBT people may be increased following the arrest of human rights activist Paul Kasonkomona after he appeared on Zambian television to… Read more »
Zambia: Gay rights activist Paul Kasonkomona granted bail
A gay rights activist and HIV campaigner has been granted bail in Zambia, having called for same-sex relationships to be decriminalised. Paul Kasonkomona was arrested last Sunday following a live television appearance in which he argued for same-sex relationships to be decriminalised in the African nation. Officers reportedly tried to cut the interview short, but… Read more »
Senegal says no to gays
Macky Sall, Senegal’s president, says there is no way his country will legalize gay sex There is no question of decriminalizing same-sex acts in Senegal, affirmed the country’s president Macky Sall. In a statement released today (12 April) by the presidency, he ‘firmly stressed that the state has never considered such an option and it… Read more »
Zambia police refuse to release ailing gay rights activist
Police in Zambia are balking at releasing anti-AIDS and human rights activist Paul Kasonkomona from jail even though his supporters have provided the required guarantees that he would return to face court proceedings. His supporters appealed today to Zambian leaders and international groups to help win his release, saying that Kasonkomona’s continued detention poses a… Read more »
Zambian activists seek halt to gay manhunt
The Zambian human rights group Friends of Rainka has called for an end to a police manhunt for activists and LGBTI people that began after four allegedly gay couples tried to register same-sex marriages in Lusaka during the Easter weekend. On April 7, police arrested anti-AIDS and human rights activist Paul Kasonkomona after appearances on… Read more »
Zambia gay rights activist Paul Kasonkomona arrested
A prominent gay rights activist has been arrested in Zambia after appearing on a live television calling for same-sex relations to be decriminalised. Paul Kasonkomona had been charged with “inciting the public to take part in indecent activities”, police chief Solomon Jere told AFP news agency. He was detained as he stepped out of the… Read more »
Prominent Abidjan Gay Bar Shuts Its Doors
Abidjan, Ivory Coast — On a recent Saturday night, a group of young men mingled outside what looked like an ordinary warehouse in Abidjan’s southern industrial zone. Inside, a DJ improvised a set list made up mostly of club tracks, including Rihanna and Chris Brown from America, and Chidinma and Iyanya from Nigeria. The crowd… Read more »
Loving Uganda to Death: The Global Reach of Far-Right Christian Hatred
While conservative evangelical and Catholic leaders complain loudly about the “persecution” they suffer in the United States, the culture wars they are igniting and supporting around the world subject LGBT people and their allies to very real persecution. The role that American religious right leaders have played in fomenting anti-gay bigotry in Uganda has been… Read more »
First Lady Museveni: Anti Gay Bill Not Meant To Persecute Gays
First lady, Janet Museveni is reported to have said that the Anti Homosexuality Bill is not meant to persecute gay people, noting that Ugandans do not necessarily kill them although adding that they are not admired either. FIRST LADY, Janet Museveni is reported to have said that the Anti Homosexuality Bill is not meant to… Read more »
Gambian President Compares Gays To Satanic Rights, Buffalo Sex
The Gambian president has compared gay people to satanic rights, destroying civilization, and buffalo sex. Yahya Jammeh was speaking at the opening of the country’s Parliament in Banjul in the presence of foreign diplomats. While the focus was the government’s zero tolerance against murder, drug trafficking, corruption and tribalism, he also used the speech to… Read more »
Two men arrested under Tunisian sodomy law
Two men were arrested on sodomy charges in Tunisia on March 31, the news website Tunisia Live reported. Staff at the Sheraton Tunis Hotel reportedly discovered the men having sex and called security forces, which led to the arrest. The men were not identified in the Tunisia Live article, which added that “attempts to confirm… Read more »
Gay, Trans Cameroonians Arrested… Again!
Cameroon – Two Men who had been arrested and released on charges of homosexuality in January have been rearrested again, it has been reported. Jonas Singa Kumie and Franky Djome (Franky Ndome), variously described as gay men and as transgender, went shopping last Sunday at the Essos market in Yaoundé where they were insulted by… Read more »
Anti-gay movie heading for gay-obsessed Nigeria
No good seems likely to come from this: A Nigerian movie called “Law 58? reportedly will be released soon, at least on DVD, with the aim of “throw[ing] light on gay practices in the country and its devastating effects on the society at large,” in the words of Naija.com. The film, reportedly shot several years… Read more »
Report: Cameroon jails many LGBTs to settle scores
Most people charged with violating Cameroon’s law against homosexual activity are convicted based on little or no evidence, Human Rights Watch states in a report released today. The study was prepared in cooperation with Cameroonian LGBT-rights organizations Alternatives-Cameroun, the Association for the Defense of Gays and Lesbians (ADEFHO), and the Cameroonian Foundation for AIDS (CAMFAIDS).… Read more »
No killing, marginalisation of sexual minorities in Uganda; Museveni
President Yoweri Museveni has said there is no discrimination, no killings, no marginalization and no luring of young people using money into homosexual acts in Uganda. Issues relating to sexual minority groups, Mr Museveni also said, have been “distorted” leading to wrong public debate. “In our society, there were a few homosexuals. There was no… Read more »
Gay man stoned to death in Somalia?
Unconfirmed report via Facebook and Identity Kenya: Mogadishu – A gay man was allegedly stoned to death as punishment for homosexuality, a gay Muslim group has said Saturday. According to Somali Gay Community, the young man, Mohamed Ali Baashi ,18, was buried in a hole up to his chest and then pelted with rocks by… Read more »
Namibia: Being a Sexual Minority in the Time of HIV-Aids
With an 18,8% estimated HIV-AIDS prevalence rate for the country, The Weekender asked few individuals from the gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans-gender and intersex (LGBTI) communities what they, in particular are doing to fight the pandemic. “HIV is a great concern and should be regarded as a top priority whether you are heterosexual or belong to… Read more »
Iran, Russia and Egypt threaten to scupper UN women’s declaration due to gay rights opposition
An alliance made up of Iran, Russia and Egypt has threatened to derail a UN declaration urging an end to violence against women and girls by objecting to language concerning LGBT rights and reproduction. Reuters reports delegates to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women are racing to reach a deal on a… Read more »
LGBT Rights Unearthed for Tanzanian Constitutional Review
Hidden in the folds of society, gay and lesbian Tanzanians are chipping away at an age-old system of oppression. In 2011 the Tanzanian government began to work toward producing a new constitution. In an effort to engage citizens, President Jakaya Kikwet enacted a Constitutional Review Commission. The Tanzanian Constitution Review Commission has been collecting public… Read more »
South Africa: Gay man killed after going on online date in Cape Town
Reports out of South Africa say a gay man has been killed after going on a date with a person he met over the internet. The body of Graham Flax, 65, was found under a duvet in the corridor outside his flat in Cape Town last weekend. According to News24, a police spokesperson said Mr… Read more »
In Cameroon, anti-gay voices grow louder
In Cameroon, the topic of homosexuality is no longer taboo. Both in Yaoundé and Douala, on the street, in taxis, restaurants, bars, offices and markets, on the radio and on television, it is difficult to spend a day or even an hour without the conversation reverting to this topic. Opposition to homosexuality has become the… Read more »
Gay Rights in Tanzania: Interview with a Young Tanzanian Male
Could you please begin by explaining the legal situation regarding the rights of homosexuals? In Tanzania homosexuality is punishable under the Penal Code which states that,”homosexuality is considered an unnatural act punishable under the Penal Code, Cap. 16 R.E. 2002, section 154 of which provides that any person who (1) has carnal knowledge of any… Read more »
Married Ugandan gay couple win case to stay in Sweden
A gay couple who fled from Uganda’s homophobic laws married in Sweden, and are now allowed to stay after worldwide support A married Ugandan gay couple have won their case to stay in Sweden. Lawrence Kaala obtained a residency permit in Sweden yesterday (28 February), after fears he would be deported back to native Uganda… Read more »
Uganda activists still busy, though fearful
Human rights and anti-AIDS activists in Uganda are busy doing good work, even though the Ugandan parliament seems poised to pass a bill that would put them in even greater danger because they defend the rights and health of sexual minorities. “The LGBTI community is already experiencing the adverse effects of this bill, even before… Read more »
Lawyer advocating for gay Cameroonians speaks in D.C.
Cameroonian LGBT advocate Michel Togue (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers) A lawyer who represents LGBT Cameroonians on Thursday urged his African country’s government to stop the persecution of gay men and lesbians. “Gay people are not seeking everyone to approve of their behavior,” Michel Togué said during a roundtable at the Robert F.… Read more »
Botswana LGBTQ’s first film festival: Batho Ba Lorato
Pan Africa ILGA congratulates Batho Ba Lorato Film Festival Committee and LEGABIBO on Botswana’s first LGBTQ Film Festival. This film festival, coined Batho Ba Lorato (People of love) is an attempt to create a platform for dialogue through the use of film. Taking place from the 12th – 15th February 2013, the festival will be… Read more »
Tunisia seeks path to unity (Non-gay background story)
The killing of opposition leader Chokri Belaid has triggered the greatest political crisis in the country since the revolution. Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali on Saturday (February 9th) threatened to quit, warning of chaos unless a new government were formed. Jebali said he would resign within days if key ministries held by fellow Islamists were… Read more »
Cameroon gay rights lawyer seeks US refuge
While his wife and children are requesting asylum, Togue is hoping to return soon to Cameroon, insisting “it would be cowardly to give up, it’s my duty to defend human rights and to contribute to a more tolerant Cameroon.” Washington – A Cameroonian lawyer who has received death threats for defending gays and lesbians in… Read more »
LGBT Uganda Fights Back: The Case Against Scott Lively
LGBT Uganda Fights Back:The Case Against Scott Lively On March 14, 2012, the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) filed a federal lawsuit against Abiding Truth Ministries President Scott Lively on behalf of Sexual Minorities Uganda, a non-profit umbrella organization for LGBT advocacy groups in Uganda. The Filing (PDF) The Factsheet (PDF) The suit alleges that… Read more »
Some clergy in Uganda join forces to protect LGBTI people
Clergy and lay people seeking safety and protection for LGBTI people in Uganda will gather tomorrow, Feb. 14, for the third annual Standing on the Side of Love conference in Kampala. The focus of this year’s conference will be: Safety and protection of LGBTI human rights defenders in Uganda. Formation of a national pro-LGBTI religious… Read more »
Feature: Emerging LGBTI Activists And Leaders In Kenya
Every Year, Identity Kenya will be putting out a list of Emerging LGBTI Activists and Leaders to honor the work and contribution these individuals have given for the movement and who continue to support, mobilize, petition and advocate for equality and non-discrimination in Kenya. According to Queer Watchtower who is in the selection panel, the… Read more »
LGBTI rights within the Universal Periodic Review: Botswana
Botswana – In January 2013 the UPR 15th session reviewed Botswana and thirteen other countries. The NGOs’ reports had been sent, as it is compulsory, seven months before the review session. Caine Jason Kaene Youngman, a staunch member of LEGABIBO (Lesbians, Gays & Bisexuals of Botswana), an ILGA member since 2005, attended the session. Interview… Read more »
LGBTs worry as Zimbabwe moves to restrict rights
The long-awaited Zimbabwean draft Constitution outlaws same-sex marriage, which has aroused concern in the community of Zimbabwean lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people. In interviews, LGBTI people said they fear that such homophobic legislation would fuel hatred and violence against them. “I don’t have aspirations of getting married, but I fear that such laws… Read more »
Sweden: Gay couple married in Sweden say their families back home are being harassed
The families of two Ugandan men living in Sweden, who claim they are the first gay couple from their country to get married, have been harassed over the couple’s marriage. Lawrence Kaala and Jimmy Sserwadda were married in January at a church in Järfälla, a suburb north of the Swedish capital, Stockholm. Mr Sserwadda’s elderly… Read more »
‘Article 60 Will Promote Homosexuality’
The delegates to the provincial constitution convention on Thursday vehemently opposed the article, which prescribes affirmative action for the minorities and marginalised groups as an attempt to legalise homosexuality in Zambia. Practising homosexuality or lesbianism is currently a criminal offence in Zambia under Chapter 87 of the Penal Code. After protracted debate during the plenary,… Read more »
Blind Alleys
The Unseen Struggles of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Urban Refugees in Mexico, Uganda and South Africa PART I Guidance for NGOs, Governments, UNHCR & Program Funders Read PDF Source – Oram International
First Ugandan gay couple to marry in Sweden
Stockholm – Two Ugandan men who married in a Swedish church claim to be the first Ugandan gays to be legally married. One of the newly wed husbands faces possible deportation to Uganda where homosexuality is illegal and can carry a lifelong prison sentence. The Local reported Lawrence Kaala and Jimmy Sserwadda married just over… Read more »
Ugandan Gay-Rights Group Sues U.S. Pastor
A gay-rights group from the African country alleges an American church leader set the stage for their persecution at home. Nina Strochlic talks to the pastor and Ugandan activists about the landmark case. Last week, at the premiere of the documentary God Loves Uganda, attendees at the Sundance Film Festival glimpsed the impact American evangelicals… Read more »
Kenya – Blackmailers Flee As Police Hunt Intensifies
Blackmailers Targeting gay men have moved out of Nairobi and are located in Mombasa and Kisumu after police launched investigations in a bid to arrest them. According to the latest reports, the blackmailers who operate as a gang abandoned a house in Embakasi estate where they used as their center of operations to swindle and… Read more »
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