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Pride Month: Botswana’s high court scraps gay sex laws
Botswana’s High Court has overturned a colonial-era law criminalizing consensual same-sex relations in a landmark victory for Africa’s LGBTQ movements.
The ruling comes just a month after Kenya’s high court upheld its laws criminalizing homosexuality. Under section 164 of Botswana’s Penal Code, “carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature,” was an offense that carried a maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment. Section 167 made “acts of gross indecency” whether in public or private a punishable offense, with up to two years in prison.
The case was brought to court in March by Letsweletse Motshidiemang, a 21-year-old student at the University of Botswana, who argued that society had changed and that homosexuality was more widely accepted, local media reported.
While homophobic attitudes continue to prevail in parts of the country, Botswana’s LGBTQ activists and supporters have marked some victories for the movement in recent years.
The 2010 Employment Act made it illegal for employers to terminate contracts on the basis of sexual orientation, and two landmark rulings in October and December 2017 laid the foundation for trans people to more easily change their official gender on identity documents.
Today’s historic ruling is a win for LGBTQ activists and supporters in a country and region where homosexuality remains largely taboo. Out of 54 African countries, at least 32 of them have enacted laws making it illegal to have gay sex, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).
In parts of Somalia, and in Sudan, it is punishable by death; in Mauritania the death penalty is a possible punishment. In Tanzania, being convicted of having same-sex relations can result in life sentences while in Nigeria the Punishment is up to 10 – 14 years in prison.
Buzz
GRIDCo reduces power supply to parts of Accra – ECG
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is pointing in the direction of the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) for the erratic power supply (dumsor) in some parts of the Greater Accra region.
(more…)
Buzz
Olivetheboy denies writing ‘Goodsin’ song for Ayra Starr
Ghanaian Afrobeat singer and songwriter, Joel Ofori Bonsu, professionally known as Olivetheboy, has debunked claims his hit song “Goodsin” was composed to express his affection to Nigerian songstress, Ayra Starr. (more…)
Buzz
THE RECENT INTERNET BLACKOUT AFFECTED MY STREAMS – KiDi
Multiple award-winning Ghanaian artiste, Dennis Nana Dwamena, well-recognized by the stage name KiDi recently expressed frustration over the recent internet blackout in the country, highlighting its adverse impact on his streaming numbers and online engagement. (more…)
Buzz
Burna Boy calls out foreign media over old shaved beard photos
Nigerian artiste Burna Boy has publicly criticized foreign online media platforms for sensationalizing an image of him without his signature beard. (more…)
Buzz
Nurse Verification Fee: NMC suspends newly approved verification Fee
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (NMC) NMC) has suspended with immediate effect, the implementation of the newly approved fees imposed on nurses pending its review. (more…)
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