The quest for homosexual freedom in Africa

Abstract

For too long, homosexuals have been considered as failed heterosexuals without the rights to self-realisation that other groups in society have. Persons who exhibit emotional and erotic attraction to members of their own sex have been persecuted both by private individuals in society and by the state. They are punished for not what they have done but simply for their perceived deviance. Their freedom of sexual expression is repressed for its perceived symbolism rather than because of its proven harm. Africa has seen the enactment of a great deal of homophobic violence and drama. This article argues that the persecution of homosexual people violates their fundamental rights and denies them the opportunity to enjoy their full personhood. The article also makes the point that efforts by homosexual people in Africa to secure their recognition and respect of their rights are undercut by the denunciation of gay and lesbian rights by some African leaders. The article further laments the inaction of the African Commission in the struggle for recognition by gay men and lesbians. It argues that the African Commission has a crucial role to play in promoting and protecting gay and lesbian rights, and in particular in seeking to change social convictions and attitudes of African people by embracing homosexuality and appealing to African countries that still legally prohibit the practice to decriminalise it. The article also contends that the African Commission must be the centre of research around this issue to benefit policy makers and other role players to make informed decisions on this highly contentious and emotive issue.

The Ebb and Flow of Homophobia: a Gender Taboo Theory

“…There is also evidence for the reverse: that homophobia can intensify, sometimes dramatically so, from a low base. For example, recent escalations of homophobia in Nigeria and Uganda have been widely reported (for general comments on homophobia in Africa see Awondo, Geschiere, Reid, 2012;Ireland, 2013;Jonas 2013; Gay Rights: legalized homophobia, 2013; For Nigeria see Human Rights: Nigeria's controversial bill, 2014; For Uganda see Xie, 2010;Human Rights/Homophobia: Uganda, 2011;Boyd, 2013; and Human Rights: Uganda passes anti-gay law, 2014). These developments culminated in their respective parliaments passing draconian new laws against homosexuality, which very nearly included the death penalty.…”