Formerly an anti-gay haven, Seychelles becomes a protector of its LGBTQ citizens

Colin Stewart is a 45-year journalism veteran living in Southern…

New penal code in Seychelles threatens extended prison time for hate crimes

In eight years, the tiny African islands of Seychelles have changed from a country that threatened LGBTQ people with prison into a land that protects LGBTQ people from hate-fueled violence.

Up until 2016, the law in Seychelles provided for prison sentences of up to 14 years for same-sex intimacy between men.

Now a newly revised law calls for increased prison sentences for violent crimes motivated by hostility toward the victims because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, sex characteristics, race, religion or disability.

“After South Africa, the Seychelles is now the second country in Africa to protect against all forms of hate-based victimisation,” the Human Dignity Trust (HDT) stated.

“The Seychelles National Assembly [last week] passed the groundbreaking Penal Code (Amendment) Bill – the first time in the country’s history that a law has been adopted to protect its citizens from crimes motivated by prejudice and identity-based hate. The Bill, approved by a majority of 18 votes to 8, safeguards Seychellois citizens, especially those from marginalised groups,” HDT reported.

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Location of the Seychelles off the east coast of Africa. (Map courtesy of Brittanica.com)

Bernard Georges, a member of the Seychelles National Assembly who was a key proponent of the bill, said, “The passing of this bill sends a clear message that the Seychelles is committed to protecting the dignity and safety of all its citizens, regardless of their background or identity. We will not tolerate crimes motivated by hate, and this law is a vital tool in upholding our shared values of equality and justice.”

Rebecca Julienne, chair of the human rights advocacy group LGBTI Sey, said, “This Bill offers hope and protection for Seychellois citizens from many communities, including LGBT people. Eight years after decriminalising consensual same-sex sexual intimacy, this is a welcome step for our community in combatting the harms caused by homophobia and other forms of hate, and will serve to encourage victims to report incidents.”