BOTSWANA
Ruling for Dignity
Botswana decriminalized gay sex on Tuesday, becoming the ninth country in the past five years to do so.
Activists packed the courtroom to celebrate as the High Court rejected laws punishing homosexual sex with up to seven years in prison in a landmark ruling for Africa, the Associated Press reported. The decision closely followed an opposite ruling in Kenya, where the High Court recently upheld similar laws.
Gay sex remains a criminal offense in 67 countries and territories, including more than two-dozen countries in Africa. However, earlier this year, the southern African nation of Angola decriminalized same-sex activity and banned discrimination based on sexual orientation, the agency noted.
A Botswana-based nonprofit called LEGABIBO had supported an anonymous petitioner to take the case to the High Court, arguing that laws criminalizing gay sex between consenting adults “infringe on basic human dignity.”
The group shared a statement attributed to President Mokgweetsi Masisi saying people in same-sex relationships should not have to suffer in silence or fear discrimination. “Just like other citizens, they deserve to have their rights protected,” he said.
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