West Africa steps up anti-gay hate

West Africa steps up anti-gay hate

Liberia’s former first lady last week submitted a bill for consideration in the country’s Senate to strengthen anti-gay laws, Associated Press
reported.

Senator Jewel Taylor’s bill would prohibit same-sex marriage and make homosexuality a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

“We are only strengthening the existing law,” she told AP.

“Some media are reporting that I said anyone found guilty of involvement in same sex should face the death penalty. I did not say so.”

The current law considers gay relationships a first-degree misdemeanour, which carries a punishment of up to a year in prison.

Cameroon, another West African nation, announced the arrest of 10 women suspected of being lesbians last week. Consensual same-gender sex is a crime in Cameroon, and punishable by a jail sentence from six months to five years and a fine.

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4 responses to “West Africa steps up anti-gay hate”

  1. I am as appalled as you but can we please not extrapolate use this as an excuse to bash Africa? There’s some evidence to suggest that this homophobia is in part due to old homophobic Commonwealth law and also due to the increasing influence of American evangelical activity in Africa.

  2. I’m past feeling guilty that i can’t sum up any surprise when Africa is this disgusting to any group at this point. :/