Mozambique's Change

From the BBC:
"Mozambique decriminalises gay and lesbian relationships"

 

Mozambique has decriminalised homosexuality in its new penal code, making it one of a few African countries where same-sex relationships are legal. The revised code, in force from Wednesday, drops a colonial-era clause outlawing "vices against nature". There were no prosecutions under that clause but rights activists have said this change is a symbolic victory. It comes as other African countries have moved to tighten anti-gay laws. In Nigeria, a law that came into force last year banned same-sex public displays of affection and introduced a possible 14-year prison sentence for gay sex. In Uganda, the government has pledged to introduce a new restrictive law after the last law which criminalised homosexuality was successfully challenged in the constitutional court. Mozambique's move to decriminalise homosexuality looks in step with recent changes elsewhere, such as Ireland and the US.

But Mozambique is also following the likes of neighbouring South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast and others, where it is not a crime to be gay.  It adds to a mixed picture on the continent as the tightening of laws against homosexuality in some countries shows what a contentious subject gay rights is. 

 

 

^ It seems that there are two extremes with regards to homosexuality laws around the world right now. There are those countries (Russia, most of Africa and the Middle East) where they are so afraid of gay people that they make extreme anti-gay laws that remind people of the Dark Ages. Then there are those countries (Canada, the US, most of Europe) where they believe in civil and human rights and make gay people equal under the law as everyone else. Hopefully, the latter will prevail over the world. I heard someone say: "If you don't like homosexuals then don't marry a gay person." Not agreeing with something is one thing, but giving death sentences, imprisonment or committing violence against someone is completely wrong. I'm glad that Mozambique has chosen to decriminalize homosexuality. It seems it was a good thing that the country was allowed to become part of the Commonwealth of Nations despite never having been part of the British Empire. Many countries within the Commonwealth (mostly in Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean) still criminalize homosexuality. More needs to be done to make those countries change their laws so that they are more in-line with the rest of the Commonwealth. ^

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-33342963