Tag: decriminalization

Malawi Decriminalization of Homosexuality Before Constitutional Court

May 12, 2023

By Melanie Nathan, May 11, 2023, The Constitutional Court in Blantyre, Malawi today postponed the same- sex decriminalization review to May 23, 2023. Before adjournment, Justice Mandala Mambulasa recused himself after the State asked him to step down from the case as he previously made his stand on the issue. Malawi criminalizes same-sex conduct. “Melanie … More Malawi Decriminalization of Homosexuality Before Constitutional Court

On World AIDS Day AHRC Calls for Decriminalization of Sexual Minorities and Gender Identity

December 1, 2022

Given the following, on this WORLD AIDS DAY, 2022, African Human rights Coalition calls for the decriminalization of LGBTQI+ people, in Africa and worldwide. It is our belief that for as long as any community or minority is so unjustly abused as a direct result of criminalization, the secrecy, hiding and resulting failed transparency only … More On World AIDS Day AHRC Calls for Decriminalization of Sexual Minorities and Gender Identity

Decriminalize SOGIESC the African Way

September 21, 2021

In an academic article* it is noted via the Abstract: “The vulnerability of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons in Africa to public health and other risks is heightened by their exclusion from socio-economic opportunities and services. We analyzed existing regional-level legal and policy instruments and treaties for the opportunities they offer to tackle … More Decriminalize SOGIESC the African Way

World AIDS Day Reminds Criminalization of Sexuality Impedes Eradication of HIV AIDS

December 1, 2019

On this World AIDS Day we are reminded that it has been almost 40 years since the HIV epidemic hit, taking the lives of so many of our loved ones.  While much progress has been made and AIDS is no longer an absolute death sentence, there is still so much more to be done, as … More World AIDS Day Reminds Criminalization of Sexuality Impedes Eradication of HIV AIDS

Jubilation as Botswana High Court Rules to Decriminalize LGBTI

June 11, 2019

Botswana became the latest country to decriminalize LGBTI individuals  Tuesday when the High Court rejected as unconstitutional sections of the penal code that punish same-sex relations with up to seven years in prison. Jubilant activists in the packed courtroom cheered the unanimous decision in the southern African nation. It came less than a month after Kenya’s … More Jubilation as Botswana High Court Rules to Decriminalize LGBTI

Botswana Africa’s Next Hope for Decriminalization of Homosexuality

December 6, 2018

The Botswana High Court has announced that it will finally hear a case on the decriminalization of homosexuality next year:  According to our friends at Mamba Online, the full bench of the court ordered that a hearing challenging the constitutionality of sections 164(a), 164(c) and 167 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex sexual activities … More Botswana Africa’s Next Hope for Decriminalization of Homosexuality

IDAHOT 2017 Rally Pictures and African HRC Speech in Castro

May 18, 2017

Yesterday I was honored to be invited as a featured speaker for the San Francisco Castro IDAHOT rally:   Gary Virginia from Gays Without Borders organized and emceed the rally that featured speakers: • Tom Ammiano, former CA State Assemblyman; • Patrick Carney, Pride Week Pink Triangle , SF Twin Peaks; • Melanie Nathan, Executive Director, African Human … More IDAHOT 2017 Rally Pictures and African HRC Speech in Castro

UNHCR Issues Report Highlighting Violence Based on Sexual Orientation

December 15, 2011

by Melanie Nathan, Dec 15, 2011 UN  High Commissioner for Human Rights:   “ Repeal laws used to criminalize individuals on grounds of homosexuality for engaging in consensual same-sex sexual conduct, and harmonize the age of consent for heterosexual and homosexual conduct. “ The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR) today released the … More UNHCR Issues Report Highlighting Violence Based on Sexual Orientation