Africa
European Parliament condemns violence against lesbians in Africa
The European Parliament yesterday adopted a resolution on violence against lesbian women and gay and transgender rights more generally in Africa. MEPs acted in response to increasing reports of arrests and violence against LGBTI people, and particularly lesbian women, on the continent. Recently, there has been increasing reports of arrests of lesbian women in Cameroon.… Read more »
Zimbabwe: Gay rights group to be charged with insulting Mugabe
Police in Zimbabwe have summoned the director of the group Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe and intend to charge the organisation with insulting the president, Robert Mugabe. Media reports from Zimbabwe say Chesterfield Samba, who now heads GALZ, was called upon by the police this week to attend a station for questioning. It is reported… Read more »
Gay cruise ship turned away by Morocco docks in Spain
EFE – The cruise ship Nieuw Amsterdam, on its present voyage catering to a gay clientele, docked Sunday in the southern Spanish port of Malaga after Moroccan authorities prohibited it from making its scheduled port of call in Casablanca. The vessel, carrying 1,564 passengers and 869 crewmembers, docked about 7:25 a.m. and was scheduled to… Read more »
Maiden gay cruise to Muslim land hits Morocco snag
Raba (Reuters) – Organisers of an all-gay cruise on Saturday blamed Moroccan officials for the cancellation of what would have been the first visit of its kind to a Muslim country, but the tourism minister denied the ship was banned and said its passengers were welcome. Cruise liner Holland America Line and trip organiser RSVP… Read more »
Maghreb bike tour supports human rights
A bike tour by young Tunisians, Libyans and Egyptians aims to gather signatures for a petition against torture and human rights abuses, Tunisia Live reported on Sunday (July 1st). According to Mosaique FM, the delegation is meeting government and civil society representatives across North Africa. The young activists have already obtained signatures from the Egyptian… Read more »
Uganda anti-gay bill draws church, donor battle lines
Kampala(Reuters) – Peter, 23, used to enjoy hitting Kampala’s bars with his boyfriend until a draft bill dubbed “kill the gays” forced him into hiding. “I’m so, so afraid. I just live indoors,” he says, sitting in the semi-darkness of the cramped two-room dwelling where he has lived since his family and friends turned on… Read more »
US Embassy in Nairobi Hosts Gay Pride Event
Nairobi – On Tuesday, the U.S. embassy in Kenya’s capital hosted a gay pride event, believed to be the first of its kind in the country. The event is as part of the Obama administration’s policy to fight prejudice against lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. On Tuesday morning the embassy presented what is… Read more »
Gay asylum seekers speak of discrimination in S. Africa
Cape Town (AFP) — Gay African asylum seekers struggle to find work and battle homophobic discrimination in South Africa, the continent’s only nation to allow same-sex marriage, a report showed Tuesday. Interviews with 25 Africans by a Cape Town NGO found that 90 percent were jobless and that nearly all felt unsafe because of their… Read more »
Uganda says gays now free to meet
Kampala, Uganda — Responding to growing international criticism of anti-gay efforts in Uganda, the government said in a statement Friday that it does not discriminate against people “of a different sexual orientation.” “No government official is (supposed) to harass any section of the community and everybody in Uganda enjoys the freedom to lawfully assemble and… Read more »
LGBT gathering in Cameroon attacked by anti-gay mob
A gathering held to mark the end of this year’s International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) celebrations in the Cameroonian capital of Yaoundé turned violent after a mob forced their way into the venue. Eric O. Lembembe, a journalist in Cameroon and a leader of the Cameroonian Foundation For AIDS (CAMFAIDS), filed a report about the… Read more »
Ethiopia: Newspaper warns of gay ‘infestation’
A popular Ethiopian daily newspaper alleges the United States and Europe are plotting to export, spread and promote homosexuality in Ethiopia. In an article published by Yenga daily, on the 18 June, homosexuality was described as rapidly-growing ‘infestation’ whose carriers are now ‘estimated’ to have reached 16,000. The paper also alleged that gays have an… Read more »
Uganda to dissolve 38 NGOs which ‘promote homosexuality’
Uganda is reportedly set to dissolve 38 non-governmental organisations in the African state who it believes are promoting homosexuality and ‘recruiting’ people into a gay lifestyle. Simon Lokodo, an Ethics Minister, told news agency Reuters foreign support was being sent to NGOs in Uganda to support gays in the country, who currently face life imprisonment… Read more »
Uganda: Police interrupt training workshop for gay rights activists
Police officers in Uganda raided a gay rights training session near Kampala yesterday, alleging that the assembly was illegal. LGBT activists, however, contend that the workshop was legal, and were targeted only because it was geared towards training gay rights campaigners. The session was organised by East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project… Read more »
Kenya: Bars introduce bans on LGBT customers
Several reports from Kenya indicate that bars and clubs in the country’s main cities are now enforcing a ban on LGBT people. Reports from Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa indicate that popular bars enforce a strict no-entry policy towards men who are judged to be ‘too effeminate or women seen as too masculine or butch’. Tacos… Read more »
IMF and Britain announce aid to Malawi after plans to legalise homosexuality
In the wake of proposals to decriminalise homosexuality and to improve human rights at large in Malawi, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the UK government have both announced increase in aid for the country. The former president, Bingu wa Mutharika, who died in office this April, had been widely criticised for his approach to… Read more »
Tunisia rejects UNHRC recommendation to decriminalise gay sex
Tunisian minister of human rights, transitional justice and spokesman of the Tunisian government, Samir Dilou has rejected a recommendation by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to decriminalize same-sex acts, stating that sexual orientation was a western concept which is incompatible with Islam, Tunisian culture and traditions. In a press conference held in Tunis,… Read more »
70% Of Swaziland’s Sex Workers HIV Positive
Unadjusted HIV prevalence among sex workers stands at 70.3%. This is contained in the Swaziland HIV Bio-Behavioral Surveillance Study and Qualitative Study among Most At-Risk Populations (MARPS) conducted by the Population Service International (PSI) in conjunction with the John Hopkins University based in the United States. The findings of the study were released by Director… Read more »
Unsafe haven: Gay refugees in South Africa
With South Africa facing a flood of gay and trans refugees, a creaking asylum system is exposing them to corruption, homophobia and the risk of attack People Against Suffering, Oppression and Poverty protesting for gay asylum seekers in South Africa. A little over a week ago, Rachel, a 28 year-old asylum seeker from Uganda had… Read more »
The Road to Safety – Executive Summary
Strengthening Protection of LGBTI Refugees in Uganda and Kenya Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) refugees are often among the most vulnerable and isolated of refugees. This is especially true in places where they are at heightened risk due to violent attacks, discrimination, and laws that criminalize same-sex relations. In addition, in many countries… Read more »
The traditional courts bill threatens LGBT South Africans
Proposed legislation giving traditional leaders sole legal authority would undermine the security granted by the bill of rights Since the end of apartheid in South Africa, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities have made unprecedented legal gains under the rubric of the bill of rights. In 2004, 10 years after South Africa’s transition to… Read more »
Gay rights in Africa have ‘worsened’
Amnesty International global human rights report shows Europe lacks sufficient laws to combat LGBT persecution Amnesty International claims anti-gay discrimination has increased in Africa, while Europe lacks sufficient legislation to protect LGBT rights. In its 50th global human rights report, Amnesty described the situation in Africa as having ‘worsened’. It says politicians have failed to… Read more »
Zimbabwe Denies Claims Of State-Sponsored Violence Against Gays
Harare, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s justice minister rejected allegations that the country has state sponsored violence and he vowed not to recognize gay rights after meeting with the U.N. human rights chief on Monday. But the nation’s main independent civic groups accused President Robert Mugabe’s party of trying to present a “fraudulent” account on human rights… Read more »
Zimbabwe dismisses allegations of state sponsored violence, rejects gay rights
Harare, Zimbabwe — Zimbabwe’s justice minister rejected allegations that the country has state sponsored violence and he vowed not to recognize gay rights after meeting with the U.N. human rights chief on Monday. But the nation’s main independent civic groups accused President Robert Mugabe’s party of trying to present a “fraudulent” account on human rights… Read more »
Malawi’s president vows to repeal gay ban
Blantyre, Malawi (AP) – President Joyce Banda declared Friday she wants to repeal Malawi’s laws against homosexual acts, going against a trend in Africa in which gays are being increasingly singled out for prosecution. Banda, who assumed the presidency in April when her predecessor died, made the announcement in her first state of the nation… Read more »
Malawi: New president ‘to decriminalise homosexuality
The Malawian president has said she will repeal the laws which make it illegal to be gay in the central African state, it has been reported. The BBC and Associates Press report a speech to parliament in which president Joyce Banda said: “The Indecency and Unnatural Acts laws shall be repealed”. Ms Banda took office… Read more »
Sierra Leonean Clergyman Speaks In Favout Of LGBT People
A Sierra Leonean Methodist clergyman, Bishop John Yambasu on Sunday evening made a pro-LGBTI speech while on a visit to the US saying that sexual orientation is one of many identities that tie people together. He stated that people relate better to those who share the same sexual orientation. He also stressed the difficulty to… Read more »
Pastor becomes unlikely hero for gay Cameroon
Evangelical rector based in Cameroon Jean-Blaise Kenmogne has come out in defence of LGBT rights With Christian extremists leading the campaign against gay people in Africa a Protestant pastor in Cameroon, Jean-Blaise Kenmogne, has become an unlikely defender of lesbian and gay rights. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender carries huge risks in Cameroon; same-sex… Read more »
Kenyan Clergy, Oppose Call By National Human Rights Commission To Legalise Homosexuality
Members of the clergy and some human rights activists in Kenya have raised their objections to recommendations last week that homosexuality be de-criminalised in the East African country. The recommendations are proposed in a report on safeguarding sexual and reproductive health rights. The report, launched on Thursday, is as a result of a public inquiry… Read more »
Kenya: Government watchdog backs repeal of laws against homosexuality and prostitution
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission has published a report calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality and prostitution in the east African state. The governmental Commission’s report on sexual and reproductive health rights was published this week, the Daily Nation reported, as a public inquiry came to an end. Gay offences in Kenya carry penalties… Read more »
Namibia to host trans-gender conference
A local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex organisation in collaboration with five other Southern African countries’ transgender and intersex organisations will be gathering in Windhoek from 8-10 May. The project is funded by Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA). The conference will be held at Hotel Thule and delegates from Zambia, Zimbabwe, South… Read more »
Sierra Leone bishop calls for unity with LGBT United Methodists
Tampa, Fla. — A bishop from Sierra Leone preached that the love of God binds us together much stronger than divisions of race, sexual orientation, or even family affiliation. Bishop John Yambasu, Resident United Methodist Bishop to Sierra Leone, spoke at the Africana Dinner at the United Methodist Church General Conference on Sunday evening. The… Read more »
Uganda VP Tells British Minister Death Penalty For Gays Will Be Dropped
Uganda’s vice president, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi has told a visiting British government minister that the proposed death penalty in the Anti- Homosexuality Bill 2009 would be dropped when it becomes law. Ugandan VP Edward Ssekandi meeting the UK Minister The government owned New Vision newspaper is reporting that Ssekandi however told the British Home Office… Read more »
Homophobia as a barrier to comprehensive media coverage of the ugandan anti-homosexual bill.
Abstract The Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill of October 2009 caused an international outcry and sparked intense debate in the local media. This article explores to what degree a discriminatory social environment manifests itself in the Ugandan print media and discusses the potential implications for media’s coverage of contentious policy options such as the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. A… Read more »
Prof Makau Mutua: I Support Gays, So What?
Interviewed by Denis Nzioka, Prof. Makau Mutua, Dean in an American university, says ‘Matters of human rights and dignity are not a popularity contest. We must do what is right’. Prof. Makau Mutua is the Dean, SUNY Distinguished Professor , Floyd H. & Hilda L. Hurst Faculty Scholar, The State University of NY, Buffalo Law… Read more »
Hillary Clinton talks about promoting equality around the world
US Secretary of State says in parts of Africa and Asia, gay rights is ‘just a totally foreign concept Hillary Clinton has faced many challenges during her time as US Secretary of State and one of the biggest has been trying to promote LGBT equality around the world. Clinton said during an appearance at Syracuse… Read more »
Gambian President Says No to Aid Money Tied to Gay Rights
Gay rights advocates in Africa say Western diplomats who threaten to take away aid money over a government’s mistreatment of gays often hurt the cause rather than help it. Bisi Alimi, a Nigerian LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) advocate based in London, said recent comments made by Gambia President Yahya Jammeh are a good example… Read more »
A Diary of ‘Gays’ in Nigeria
The African society views same-sex relationships as repulsive. Yet in Nigeria, homosexuals live among us. A few hide their status from the world’s prying eyes, while the majority however do not care. Some of them take Ruth Olurounbi through their worlds, insisting that they have been unfairly judged and misunderstood. Her report: Temitope Ali (not… Read more »
Liberia: Being Tolerant Is African, Too!
This week, homophobic rhetoric in Liberia once again reared its ugly head when a flier publicizing a “hit list” of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals was distributed in Monrovia. It appears that “kicking gays out of Liberia” as the flier said, is the latest pre-occupation in a country that has survived almost 20… Read more »
Ghanaina Activist Defends Gay Community Against Charges Of “Recruiting”
Mac-Darling Cobbinah a Ghanaian HIV activist and human rights defender last week attacked as “misleading” the methodology of a 2011 study of MSM in Ghana which accused gay men of recruiting heterosexual men for sex. In an article entitled “Gays recruiting for MSM study?” which he distributed to activists across Africa, Cobbinah said the authors… Read more »
Two women and a man arrested in the Gambia on gay charges
Two women and a man arrested in the Gambia on gay charges Three people have been arrested in the Gambia this week on indecency charges related to homosexuality. Two women, who are from the Gambia, and one Nigerian man were arrested on charges of indecent gay practices, the Gambian Daily Observer reports. The two women… Read more »
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