Several countries in sub-Saharan Africa have made progress in recognizing the human rights of LGBTI people, but much work remains to be done in the region’s 29 countries that still have laws against same-sex intimacy. LGBTI rights in those African countries are the focus of the following excerpts from the 2015 edition of the U.S. … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Paul Kasonkomona
Honors for African LGBTI heroes at London Pride
Press release, modestly edited: London Pride 2015 The African LGBTI organisation Out and Proud Diamond Group celebrated African LGBTI Heroes during London Pride 2015. The group honored people who have stood up against anti-gay environments and regimes in Africa. Some of these heroes lost their lives during the struggle to liberate us and others against … Continue reading
Zambian opponent of anti-gay laws wins at High Court
AIDS fighter Paul Kasonkomona can finally rest easy, more than two years after the government of Zambia arrested him for publicly suggesting repeal of the nation’s anti-gay law. He was acquitted last year of the charge that his televised comment should be punished as “soliciting for immoral purposes.” The government appealed the acquittal, but today … Continue reading
Zambia seeks to overturn acquittal of anti-AIDS activist
The government of Zambia isn’t willing to let an AIDS activist get away with publicly suggesting repeal of the nation’s anti-gay law, even after he was acquitted of a charge that his televised comment should be punished as “soliciting for immoral purposes.” AIDS fighter Paul Kasonkomona was arrested in April 2013 immediately after appearing on … Continue reading
12 grim lands, 7 bright spots in LGBTI preview of 2015
As debate over LGBTI rights continues worldwide in 2015, progress has been made in at least seven of the 76-plus countries with laws against homosexuality. In another 12 countries, the situation is grim and could get worse. Below are previews for 27 of the many countries where LGBTI people struggle for respect and equal rights. … Continue reading
Despite acquittal, trial revealed deep Zambian injustices
The arrest, trial, year-long detention and recent acquittal of Philip Mubiana and James Mwape on homosexuality charges demonstrate much that’s wrong with Zambia’s legal, political and social life, along with a few strengths, lawyer Anneke Meekotter writes in the Southern Africa Litigation Centre blog. In the article, she discusses: Political statements “bordering on hate speech.” … Continue reading
LGBT in Zambia: ‘How many more lives will be ruined?’
In response to the latest court case against alleged homosexuals in Zambia, the leader of the Zambian human rights organization Friends of Rainka has called for an end to persecution of LGBT people. Juliet Mphande, executive director of Friends of Rainka, said: ”The situation for LGBTI persons in Zambia becomes more urgent than ever. How … Continue reading
Anti-gay court action in Malaysia, Nigeria, Zambia
Three countries, three courts, three anti-gay moves: Malaysia: Opposition leader guilty of sodomy KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — A Malaysian court on [March 7] sentenced opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to five years in jail on sodomy charges, overturning an earlier acquittal and ending his hopes of contesting a local election this month. An angry Anwar … Continue reading
Zambia: Acquittal for opponent of anti-gay laws
AIDS activist Paul Kasonkomona was acquitted today on charges that he was “soliciting for immoral purposes” when he appealed on television for the repeal of the Zambian law against homosexual activity, which he said encourages the spread of AIDS. Magistrate Lameck Ng’ambi ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case against him. Because of … Continue reading
Trial nearly over for opponent of Zambian anti-gay law
AIDS activist Paul Kasonkomona is scheduled to learn on Feb. 20 whether a judge will dismiss charges that were brought against him after he appeared on Zambian TV last April and said that the country should repeal its law against same-sex activity because the law hampers the fight against AIDS. He was arrested immediately after … Continue reading
