The goal: “a space in West Africa where persons from diverse faiths, cultures, class and sexual orientations can convene, work with faith leaders and communities to create a world in which everyone enjoys all human rights irrespective of class, religious belief, culture and sexual orientation.” Late last month, West Africa moved a step closer to … Continue reading
Progressive faith leaders and activists from West Africa have joined forces to work to end anti-LGBTI bias in the region and seek “a world governed by respect and dignity.” The new Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNoWA) includes members from Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Liberia. The network’s founder and co-chair is Anglo-Nigerian … Continue reading
Six men who were arrested by police on May 9 in Benin City, Nigeria, have been taken before a magistrate’s court in Edo State to face charges of engaging in homosexual activities. The court action was promised soon after the arrests by Musa Daura, assistant inspector general of police at Zone 5 Police Headquarters in … Continue reading
Many LGBTI Catholics in West Africa remain faithful to the church, despite exclusion, homophobia and discrimination, Anglo-Nigerian gay activist Davis Mac-Iyalla reported after a fact-finding trip there. But the church has driven out some of its LGBTI flock, and all of them ask the church to treat them in a more Christian manner. Currently touring … Continue reading
Human rights advocates from more than a dozen African countries have issued a call for respect for the human rights of LGBTI people in Africa, a move that builds on a resolution made last year by the African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights. The gathering included representatives from Burundi, Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, … Continue reading
In an understated report, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this month that nations should work to stop the spread of AIDS by removing obstacles to HIV prevention efforts that are caused by laws against homosexual activity, transgender status, sex work and drug use. Those laws limit health care access for groups that are most … Continue reading
At least 21 cultural varieties of same-sex relationships have long been part of traditional African life, as demonstrated in a new report that is designed to dispel the confusion and lies surrounding Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The following discussion and the 21 examples are from that report, “Expanded Criminalisation of Homosexuality in Uganda: A Flawed Narrative / … Continue reading
The battle between advocates and opponents of anti-LGBT laws has produced a world of contrasts — “some victories to celebrate against a background of hateful laws still in force and hate crimes around the world,” says the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, or ILGA, in its 2012 report “State-Sponsored Homophobia.” The number … Continue reading
COMMENTARY A new declaration seeking “global support to end the AIDS epidemic” has one fatal shortcoming. It outlines nine strategies for fighting HIV / AIDS, but fails to mention the tragic consequences of 76-plus nations’ laws against homosexuality, which effectively exclude LGBT people from receiving AIDS-related services. The “Washington D.C. Declaration” will be the official … Continue reading
Publié le 12 mai 2015 Par Jean Marc Yao Des défenseurs des droits humains appellent au respect des droits des LGBTI en Afrique Des défenseurs des droits humains de 13 pays de l’Afrique ont fait une déclaration pour appeler au respect des droits des LGBTI sur le continent africain. Réunis à Lomé, au Togo, du … Continue reading
