Amnesty International condemns Chad’s attempts to criminalise homosexuality

AMNESTY International has issued a statement condemning the government of Chad’s proposal to criminalise homosexual acts with up to 20 years in jail.

The proposed law, which was voted on earlier this week by government ministers, is now due to be approved with President Idriss Déby’s signature.

If ratified, Chad would become the 37th African country to criminalise homosexuality.

The central African country’s penal code is over 50 years and does not explicitly mention homosexuality.

However, according to Agence France-Presse, section 361 of a draft of the new code sets the punishment of 15-20 years years in jail and a fine of up to 500,000 Central African francs (approximately $1100 AUD) for anyone convicted of sexual intercourse with someone of the same sex.

Human rights advocacy group Amnesty International said the proposed bill would fuel homophobia in Chad, among other things.

“The criminalisation of individuals based solely on their sexual orientation and gender identity violates Chad’s international and regional human rights obligations, and is a big step back for tolerance and respect for human rights in the country,” said Stephen Cockburn, Amnesty International’s deputy regional director for west and central Africa.

“Amnesty International has analysed the draft bill. The vagueness of the proposed provision is also deeply worrying — people could be investigated and prosecuted for homosexuality based on a denunciation or rumour alone.

“People who are perceived to be gay or don’t conform to traditional gender stereotypes will not be able to live their lives with equality and dignity,” Cockburn added.

“If this bill is passed in its current form, Chad will have a discriminatory penal code that violates the rights of these individuals and fuel homophobia. Both the government and parliament must ensure that any law adopted respects fundamental human rights principles, including non-discrimination and equality for all.”

The cabinet ministers of Chad have claimed that the law to criminalise homosexuality was intended to “protect the family and to comply with Chadian society”.

The draft bill in Chad comes just weeks after Gambian government minister proposed a law that would introduce sentences of up to life imprisonment for what they called “aggravated homosexuality”.

However, the same draft bill for the new penal code also proposes to abolish the death penalty, a move which has been welcomed by the International Federation of Human Rights.

The Star Observer has contacted Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop for comment.

H/T: The Guardian