Burundi faces a growing, international backlash after the president secretly signs legislation—previously rejected by the Senate—that attempts legislate homosexuality out of existence in the small, impoverished East African nation.
Afrique et Lignet reports Belgium has "condemned" the law signed by President Pierre Nkurunziza and will discuss cutting aid to Burundi with its European Union partners.
Behind the Mask reports: "In a joint statement with other 62 African and international human rights organizations, Human Rights Watch accused the Burundian president’s staff of making calls to a number of legislators attempting to influence them to vote for the Bill which was then in parliament."
The draconian new legislation makes same-sex attraction or relations punishable by up to two years in prison. In November, the lower chamber of Parliament voted in favor of the amendment. The Senate rejected the amendment in February.
After the Senate stripped the amendment, Nkurunziza's party, the CNDD-FDD, led several massive government-organized, anti-gay demonstrations to demand the criminalization of homosexuality. One of the March protests attracted 20,000 protesters.
We should find a way to blasts Little Richard and Rupaul videos on airways & satellite TV all over Africa.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 01 May 2009 at 08:48
Oh, and let 'em see Pitbull produced videos too, that they would like.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 01 May 2009 at 08:49
thank you rod!
it gives me hope to know that we have warriors for gay justice everywhere...even in the most heteful places in africa!
god bless you for the superb and healing work you do herein...
love
ab
Posted by: alicia banks | 01 May 2009 at 09:18
Who would believe that in this day and age that people would still be so backwards? This makes me sick!
Posted by: soulbrotha | 01 May 2009 at 10:42
Yeah..It makes me sick to see my country push me in the margin of society in the name of BULLSHYT...However, this is obviously not the end..It's just the beginning of the real fight for justice for gays in Burundi
Posted by: Etienne | 02 May 2009 at 14:49