Briefing - LGBTIQ+ in Africa: Unabated discrimination against people with non-conforming sexual orientations and gender identities - 16-05-2025
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Thirty-one out of 54 African countries criminalise consensual same-sex relations between adults. In addition, several African countries penalise the public expression of lesbian, gay, trans, intersex, queer and other non-heteronormative (LGBTIQ+ ) identitiesBriefing - LGBTIQ+ in Africa: Unabated discrimination against people with non-conforming sexual orientations and gender identities - 16-05-2025
Thirty-one out of 54 African countries criminalise consensual same-sex relations between adults. In addition, several African countries penalise the public expression of lesbian, gay, trans, intersex, queer and other non-heteronormative (LGBTIQ+ ) identities, or those who fight for LGBTIQ+ rights. This criminalisation leads to violations of privacy and inhumane treatment, with some countries even providing for the death penalty. Despite decriminalisation in a few states like South Africa, Angola, and Mozambique, the trend of recriminalisation persists. Recently, Uganda and Ghana have enacted severe anti-LGBTIQ+ laws. Across the continent (with the notable exception of South Africa), LGBTIQ+ persons are still far from fully enjoying the same rights as other citizens. Intolerance of LGBTIQ+ behaviours is widespread in Africa; influences from religious leaders and the narrative that homosexuality is 'un-African' play a role in perpetuating this sentiment. Discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ+ persons have dire consequences on their livelihoods and their physical and mental health. Those advocating efforts for LGBTIQ+ rights face significant restrictions and threats, which hinder their ability to operate. The European Union, through guidelines and strategies, aims to promote LGBTIQ+ rights globally. However, its initiatives are often weakened by a cautious approach to avoid imposing values perceived by some in Africa as non-African. As a result, regional agreements with African partners do not explicitly mention LGBTIQ+ rights, a notion that a majority of African countries contest in multilateral arenas. Nevertheless, the European Parliament has consistently advocated for LGBTIQ+ rights, calling for increased funding, legal protection, and the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality. This briefing updates a previous version from 2019. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP Read more