Gabon votes to decriminalise homosexuality

Decision bucks the homophobic trend in many parts of Africa

 

London, UK – 29 June 2020

 

The senate of the African country of Gabon has voted to decriminalise homosexuality after the country’s lower house voted for a change in the law last week.

 

Under a 2019 law, Gabon was one of 73 countries or jurisdictions around the world, half of them in Africa, that criminalise same-sex acts.

 

LGBT+ & human rights activist Peter Tatchell welcomed the news and said:

 

“This is a magnificent victory for LGBT+ people in Gabon and across Africa. It bucks the trend in many African nations, like Nigeria and Uganda, where the repression of LGBT+ communities has intensified in recent years.

 

“Coming on top of Angola’s decriminalisation last year, it will give hope to the many brave LGBT+ campaigners throughout Africa that they can eventually win.

 

“This still leaves 72 countries and jurisdictions where same-sex relations remain a crime, including 10 countries that have the death penalty for homosexuality.”