Tag: gambia gay rights

Gambia declared Islamic republic by President Yahya Jammeh

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has declared his Muslim-majority country an Islamic republic, saying the move marks a break with the colonial past. Mr Jammeh told state TV the proclamation was in line with Gambia’s “religious identity and values”. He added that no dress code would be imposed and citizens of other faiths would be allowed… Read more »

Gambia: President must reject homophobic law with life sentence for ‘aggravated homosexuality’

President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia should not sign a new Criminal Code amendment that would increase the punishment for “aggravated homosexuality” to life in prison, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said today. Several provisions of the law violate international human rights law and amount to persecution on the basis of real or perceived sexual… Read more »

Gambia: Bill passed to allow life imprisonment for gays

A Gambian politician has said the country is soon to adopt a law which allows life imprisonment for those found guilty of crimes linked to being gay. The law was passed by the National Assembly, and amends the criminal code to bring life sentences for “aggravated homosexuality.” The Associated Press reports that a draft bill… Read more »

Gambian president threatens Gambian gay asylum-seekers

Gambia’s young president Yahya Jammeh says he will “kill” any of his compatriots who seek asylum abroad claiming that their lives were in danger because they were homosexuals or lesbians. “Those who are doing that to tarnish the image of Gambia just to gain asylum, were doing so at their detriment….If I catch them, I’ll… Read more »