News

Gambia denies plans to relax homosexuality laws

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 02:42 pm

The Gambia said on Tuesday that it would neither decriminalise homosexuality nor review its laws, following weeks of controversy over the issue in the tiny West African state.

In a statement, the government denied widely circulated rumours of plans to soften homosexuality laws in exchange for aid funds.

“This is false political propaganda orchestrated to score cheap political points,” said government spokesman Ebrima Sankareh.

He said the government continues to be guided by “the norms of its people” and “has no plans to either decriminalise or even entertain a review of laws on homosexuality”.

Homosexual activity is illegal in The Gambia, where a conviction can carry a hefty prison sentence.

Tuesday’s statement follows weeks of pressure on the government to respond to apparently pro-gay social media posts from the European Union’s delegation in the Muslim-majority nation.

On May 17 – the international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia – the EU delegation in The Gambia uploaded posts urging that gay people not be excluded from society.

But this spurred speculation that the EU would seek to tie aid funds to protecting LGBT rights, prompting uproar from religious leaders and opposition politicians.

In a televised statement on Sunday, Ousainu Darboe, an ex-foreign minister who is also the leader of the United Democratic Party, spoke out against decriminalisation.

“Homosexuality cannot be decriminalised in this country … No matter what” he said.

Gay people were heavily persecuted under The Gambia’s former dictator, Yahya Jammeh, who fled in January 2017 after losing a presidential election to relative newcomer Adama Barrow.

Talks over revising The Gambia’s constitution, held under Barrow, have also sparked discussion about gay rights in the former British colony of some two million people.

(AFP)

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

Kenya Launches Official Probe intoUgandan Leader’s Alleged Kidnapping

The government of Kenya announced that it is looking into the suspected kidnapping ofKizza Besigye, a well-known opposition politician from…

November 22, 2024

At least 7 members of the Nigerian security forces are missing after insurgentsambushed their convoy

A team of 80 security agents tasked with protecting the electricity grid was ambushed onMonday in Shiroro, Niger State, by…

November 21, 2024

Cryptocurrency Gains Momentum inAfrica Amid Global Shifts in Trump’sElection

Cryptocurrency becomes the new thing in Africa. People shift for stable alternatives aftertheir unstable local currencies. Many people believe Donald…

November 21, 2024

UAE Delivers Lifeline: 30,000 Food BasketsBring Hope to Sudanese Refugees in Uganda

UAE has also distributed 30,000 food baskets to Sudanese refugees in Kiryandongo refugeecamp Uganda to benefit nearly 100,000 affected people.Aid…

November 21, 2024

Turkey wants to increase its trade with Africa to 50 billion dollars

The trade volume between Türkiye and 54 African countries has grown sevenfold, reaching $37 billion from 2003 to 2023, Yılmaz…

November 20, 2024

Tanzania, Botswana, and Mozambique Secure Spots in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

The final round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches was held this week with Tanzania, Botswana and…

November 20, 2024

This website uses cookies.