Chad considers criminalising homosexuality
Chad is considering introducing a ban on homosexuality.
The African country – which has never previously banned homosexuality – is considering amending its penal code to ban same-sex sexual activity.
According to AFP, proposed legislation has already been adopted by the country’s cabinet which would punish gay sex with up to 20 years in prison.
It is yet to go before the country’s parliament, but given rising anti-gay sentiment in the nation is expected to pass.
Section 361 of the code bans same-sex actual activity for both men and women, and can lead to 15 to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of 50,000 (£60) to 500,000 CFA francs (£600).
The state claims the law was tabled to “protect the family and to comply with Chadian society”.
Kerry Kennedy of the US-based Robert F Kennedy Centre for Justice and Human Rights said: “By criminalising homosexuality, Chad’s proposed penal code is an instrument of discrimination, not of justice.
“I urge president Déby and the Chadian parliament to reject any attempts to make prejudice the law of the land.”
A law was passed by the Gambian National Assembly last month, and amends the criminal code to bring life sentences for “aggravated homosexuality.” It is yet to be signed by Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.
