News

Botswana Decriminalizes Same-Sex Relations In Landmark Ruling

In a landmark ruling, the High Court of the African nation of Botswana has overturned the country’s archaic law that criminalized consensual same-sex relations.

The court ruled unanimously on Tuesday that the legislation, dating back to colonial times, was unconstitutional, discriminatory and against the public interest. “A democratic society is one that embraces tolerance, diversity and open-mindedness,” said Justice Michael Leburu. “Societal inclusion is central to ending poverty and fostering shared prosperity.” This ruling is a victory for the continent, coming a month after Kenya’s high court decided to uphold their country’s laws criminalizing homosexuality.

Botswana’s Penal Code previously stated that “carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature,” such as same-sex relations, could be punished by up to seven years in prison. The Code also stated that “acts of gross indecency,” both public and private, were punishable by up to two years in prison. In March, Letsweletse Motshidiemang, a student at the University of Botswana, brought the case to court, arguing that due to societal changes, homosexuality more widely accepted and the laws should be changed to reflect that.

SLIDESHOW: TOP DEMOCRATS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT IN 2020

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

While the country still doesn’t allow gay marriage, the decriminalization of consensual same-sex relations is a big step forward for the region, and many hope that it will serve as an example for other countries in Africa. Neela Ghoshal, a researcher for Human Rights Watch, said that the ruling provided a “powerful precedent on the continent by recognizing that the criminalization of same-sex conduct violates privacy rights and is blatantly discriminatory.”

In much of Africa, it is still illegal to be gay, with South Africa being the only country on the continent to recognize same-sex marriage. In other parts of the landmass, not only is it a crime to have homosexual intercourse but in many countries the punishment for those crimes is death. As LGBTQ activists have made recent advancements in places like Taiwan, Hong Kong and now Botswana, many hope that a new wave of LGBTQ support is growing, helping to create a more accepting world.

Daniel Knopf

Recent Posts

VIDEO: Trump Watches SpaceX Launch Alongside Elon Musk & Ted Cruz

https://youtube.com/shorts/YVrfbMZSVRE?feature=share US President-elect Donald Trump drew cheers as he arrived in Texas on Nov. 19 to watch…

3 days ago

Foreign Policy Experts Voice Concern About Trump’s Nomination Of Tulsi Gabbard For Director Of National Intelligence

After President-elect Donald Trump selected Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, as his nominee for…

4 days ago

Trump’s Pick Of Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Department of Health & Human Services Secretary Alarms Scientific Community

President-elect Donald Trump's announcement that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be his pick for Department…

5 days ago

VIDEO: President-Elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk & Cabinet Picks Attend UFC Fight In NYC, Crowd Chants “USA”

https://youtube.com/shorts/6CUvTmS87UM?feature=share President-elect Donald Trump arrived to cheers at an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in…

5 days ago

Trump Pick Of Matt Gaetz For Attorney General Sends Shock Waves Through Capitol

President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Florida) as his attorney general has sent shockwaves through…

6 days ago

VIDEO: Fights Break Out In Stand During France-Israel Match

https://youtube.com/shorts/TD8RNJl-NBk A fight broke out in one of the stands at the Stade de France…

6 days ago