UN backs gays

UN backs gays

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has criticised Cameroon for a law making it illegal to be gay. The statement came just days before three individuals, convicted under the law, were to have appeal hearings.

Roger Jean-Claude Mbede was to have a hearing appealing his three-year sentence this week for sending a text message to another man that said “I’m very much in love with you”.

Two other men were also set for an appeal hearing for their five-year sentence after a judge convicted them under Cameroon’s “Jail the Gays” law, because their clothes and drink of choice, Baileys Irish Cream, were too gay.

“The UN human rights office is deeply concerned by reports from Cameroon of the harassment, intimidation, arrest and imprisonment of individuals on suspicion of being lesbian or gay,” said a spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

He also called on the government of Cameroon to protect human rights activists and ensure its penal code respects international human rights.

“The government of Cameroon has a duty to end these abuses. It should provide adequate protection to human rights defenders working to protect the rights of LGBT persons,” the statement said.

“It also should use the ongoing review of the penal code to put forward amendments to Article 347 bis, with a view to bringing the article into compliance with Cameroon’s international treaty obligations.”

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