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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.
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Gyakie thrills fans at Kizz Daniel’s 10-year anniversary concert inside OVO Arena Wembley
In a night filled with electrifying performances and unforgettable moments, Ghanaian Afrobeats sensation, Gyakie stole the spotlight at Kizz Daniel’s recent concert with a performance that left fans in awe. (more…)
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Sarkodie would’ve garnered more publicity if he had declined Bob Marley’s ‘Stir It Up’ remake request – Blakk Rasta
Controversial Ghanaian media personality Blakk Rasta ignited a heated debate following his recent remarks about Sarkodie’s remake of Bob Marley’s ‘Stir It Up’ song. (more…)
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Naa Ashorkor makes directorial debut with ‘The Legend of Aku Sika’ stage play
Actress and TV Personality, Naa Ashorkor is stepping into new territory as she takes on her first directing role in the highly anticipated production of The Legend of Aku Sika by Professor Martin Owusu. (more…)
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Rema’s “Calm Down” wins song of the year at the 41st ASCAP Pop Music Awards
Nigeria’s Rema has once again proved his prowess in the music industry by clinching the prestigious “Song of the Year” award at the 41st ASCAP Pop Music Awards for his hit track “Calm Down,” which features Selena Gomez. (more…)
Buzz
TGMA Xperience Concert: Stonebwoy, Kofi Kinaata, Nacee, others to thrill fans in Cape Coast
Cape Coast is gearing up for an unprecedented music extravaganza as the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) Xperience concert approaches. (more…)
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