LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER (LGBT) PEOPLE AND RIGHTS IN AFRICA: AN EXPOSITION OF DOMESTIC LAW AND CONTEMPORARY GLOBAL POLITICS

Abstract

African States and people are still homophobic. Accordingly, most Africans have an aversion and negative view regarding LGBT practices, which are still considered taboo in the greater part of the continent. Despite external pressures, especially from the West, and some international organizations, many African States have refused to consider increasing the rights of LGBT people but rather have enacted laws criminalizing and increasing the sanctions against LGBT practice. Accordingly, for over three decades now, homosexuality has become an issue of political contestation across the continent, with authorities criminalizing and sanctioning every form of homosexual activity. Using doctrinal method, this study, therefore, seeks to examine the current global LGBT politics in relation to the anti-homosexual laws and their combined effects on LGBT rights in Africa. It also explores the nature of LGBT persons and rights in Africa as a result of non-acceptance by the States and the society. Additionally, the study discusses the role of the acronym (LGBT) and other related terms and examines why Africa is still homophobic. It concludes that LGBT people and rights still face major difficulties in Africa despite efforts by LGBT proponents globally. Considering the religious and cultural connotation/undertone of LGBT rights issue and, given that Africa is a religiously and culturally conservative continent, the study recommends that, any approach by the Western powers and other adherents of homosexual rights to indoctrinate Africa on homosexuality must be cautious and toe the line of persuasion rather than confrontation.