Op-Ed: A moment of optimism for LGBT activists in Botswana

A landmark case in Botswana has paved the way for lobby groups in other African countries potentially to challenge laws that infringe on their freedoms. The case, brought forward by a civil society grouping fighting for the rights of lesbians, gays and bisexuals, changes the landscape for activism in Botswana and potentially elsewhere. By CAROLINE JAMES.

For many people working in civil society around the world, the threat of a shrinking civic space is very real. It is becoming harder and harder to work effectively due to factors such as decreased funding and increased surveillance. In Africa, one of the main areas of concern is over legislation that seeks to regulate NGOs’ operation – and laws like this are becoming disturbingly commonplace.

In Uganda, activists criticised the adoption of a new law last week which precludes the registration of any organisation that has objectives which would be “prejudicial to the security of Uganda and to the interests of Uganda and the dignity of Ugandans”. Their concern was that the vague wording of this provision creates the potential for abuse, as officials would be empowered to deny registration to organisations which they believe may be contrary to public morality, such as those working for recognition of sexual minorities’ rights.

Source:  Daily Maverick

Holyrood’s intervention regarding LGBTI rights backfires in Ghana

The intervention, uncalled for by LGBTI Ghanaians, has caused a backlash against the LGBTI community and a media moral panic against a “homosexual lobby” trying to allegedly tarnish Ghana’s image and force “unAfrican” habits unto the nation.

The Ghanaian leader, John Dramani Mahama, met the First Minister during his tour of Scotland, which will saw him presented with an honorary degree from the University of Aberdeen.

Ms Sturgeon has come under some pressure to raise issues of LGBTI rights with Ghana’s leader, John Dramani Mahama as his visit to Scotland comes against a backdrop of increasing vigilante violence LGBTI people in Ghana. The Kaleidoscope Trust, Amnesty International and, in particular, Patrick Harvie, co-convener of Scottish Green Party called for the First Minister to confront Mahama about LGBTI rights.  It has also been reported that opposite leaders of the Scottish parliament have boycotted a meeting with the president.

Source: Kaleidoscot 

“Tolerance Will Come to Jamaica” – Anglican Priest, Government Minister Agree

As  the movement to marriage equality steams ahead globally, obvious exceptions are Africa and the Caribbean, where far more pressing issues are securing simple tolerance, freedom from violence, and even decriminalization.

But even here, there are signs of progress. In Jamaica, where homosexual acts can lead to a criminal conviction, an Anglican priest and a government minister both agree that change has already begun (and by implication, decriminalization will follow).

ANTI-GAY HYPOCRISY: Jamaica destined to become tolerant of homosexuality, says clergyman

 Fr Sean Major - Campell

Tolerance for homosexuality will eventually become a reality for Jamaica, according to one Anglican priest who says it already exists in many circles, including the Church.The Reverend Father Sean Major-Campbell believes, however, that hypocrisy on the matter has been the preferred route of Jamaican society for centuries.”I do not believe there was any Jamaican who would believe 30 – or even 20 – years ago that it would become the norm for so many Jamaican men to expose their underwear and posterior,” he said. “However, you are in style and good company if your boxers are fully on show in a conveniently homophobic society.”Major-Campbells comments have come on the heels of statements made by Pope Francis during a recent press conference on the issue of homosexuality within the Catholic Church. Some commentators say that the pontiffs comments struck a conciliatory chord on the attitude towards gays.

Justice Minister Senator Mark Golding says there has been an evolution in Jamaicans’ attitudes towards homosexuality over the years.

“Polls show that a fairly substantial portion of the population believes that we should be tolerant towards persons, regardless of sexual orientation. Certainly, the position taken by me and the Government is one which rejects totally any acts of violence against any of our citizens based on them being a member of some minority group.”

Golding added: “Some people really feel that homosexuality and a homosexual lifestyle are intrinsically immoral. My own view on the matter is that what people do as adults in the privacy of their home is really a matter for them and shouldn’t really be subject to any kind of state interference.”

via  – Jamaica Gleaner –  July 31, 2013.

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