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NIGERIA: 3 Gay Men Stripped Naked and Beaten by Mob

Very disturbing news to report from Africa's most populous nation. At least three men believed to gay were stripped naked, paraded through the streets and beaten by a mob in a remote Nigerian village, reports the Abuja-based Premium Times.

Nigeria HIV info has condemned the mob beating of three men accused of engaging in homosexuality in Imo State. In a statement by Steve Aborisade, its coordinator, the group said it has “reliably confirmed and authenticated the incident and of the identity of one of the men.”

The three men were stripped naked and allegedly lynched on Monday, in Ekwe, near Umuka in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State. Mr. Aborisade called on security agents to respond to the plight of the men.

"As it is, only the perpetrators and the community can tell the whole world what has become of these men who were seriously beaten up, stripped naked and paraded around the community bounded together like animals on allegation that they were caught having sex together," Mr. Aborisade said. The group appealed to the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, to intervene to save the lives of the men.

Prosecutions related to homosexuality are rare in Africa's most populous country. Sodomy is outlawed under existing federal law. Twenty-four of Nigeria's 36 states punish same-sex acts with up to 14 years imprisonment.

Twelve Islamic states in northern Nigeria have introduced the draconian Sharia law that has sentenced several gays to death. However, these death sentences have reportedly never been enforced.

Same-sex acts are currently illegal in at least 38 of 54 African countries. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights.

Since 2007, the National Assembly has introduced several proposed versions of extreme anti-gay legislation.  A draconian bill passed in 2011 by the Senate goes beyond merely banning same-sex marriage—which is already illegal—and would ban same sex relationships, ban same sex couples from living together, ban pro-LGBT websites or groups and prosecute their friends or human rights activists. The bill has since stalled under international pressure. Previous versions of the bill banned gays from meeting, living together, reading LGBT websites or even going out to dinner.

Some Background ...
NIGERIA: Criticism After Actor Sentenced
Nigerian Actor Sentenced for "Unnatural Offences"
"Daily Sun" Warns "Homosexuals in Trouble"
NIGERIA: Activists Harassed During Testimony
Nigeria Advances Extreme Anti-Gay Bill
NIGERIA: Hearings Begin on Extreme Legislation
Nigerian Village Vows to "Stone Any Homosexual"
EU Considers Suspending Aid to Nigeria
Nigerian Legislators Vote to Ban Gay Marriages
EU: Level of Homophobia in Nigeria "Unacceptable"
Nigerian Mob Attacks Gay Activist
Nigerian Lynch Mob Storms Jail
Nigeria: 18 Gays Face Death Penalty
Nigerian Lesbian In Hiding After Reported Wedding
Nigeria's Homophobia Threatens Bid for Games
Nigeria One Step Closer to Outlawing Gays

CAMEROON: Archbishop: Same Sex Marriage "Crime Against Humanity"

More disturbing reports from Cameroon, where gay men are often randomly arrested and subjected to legal ordeals that continue for years ...

The Roman Catholic archbishop of the capital city of Yaounde celebrated Christmas Day Mass with a fresh round of gay-baiting. The archbishop described same-sex marriage as a "crime against humanity," reports Reuters. The West African nation is heavily Catholic. An estimated one of out four citizens belong to the Catholic Church.

"Marriage of persons of the same sex is a serious crime against humanity," Victor Tonye Bakot, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Yaounde, told followers at Christmas Day mass.

"We need to stand up to combat it with all our energy. I am particularly thankful to our local media that has been spreading this message of it as a criminality against mankind."

The comments follow a three-year jail sentence handed earlier this month to 32-year-old Jean-Claude Roger Mbede, who was found guilty of homosexual conduct because he sent a text message to another man telling him he loved him. At least 12 people were convicted this year of being gay in Cameroon, where jail terms range from six months to five years.

Cameroon is one of at least 38 of Africa's 54 nations that currently have laws penalizing same-sex relations or even sexuality.  Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights. South Africa is also the only African nation to guarantee marriage equality.

Cameroon President Paul Biya—who has held office since 1982—boasts one of Africa's more repressive anti-LGBT regimes. Recent months have seen an increase in arrests and prosecutions under section 347a of its penal code, which criminalizes same-sex sexual acts. The government is preparing to toughen its already harsh penalties against homosexuality by equating them with pedophilia.

Gay men in Cameroon are routinely and randomly arrested and subjected to legal ordeals that continue for years. Since late July 2011, a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old have been in police custody. Reports suggest the youths were arrested because they appeared "feminine". The two men received the maximum prison sentence of five years in November 2011.

Background:
AF Pilot Refuses to Deport Gay Man to Cameroon
20+ LGBT Activists Assaulted by Mob in Cameroon
Cameroon Urged to Release 2 Gay Youths
CAMEROON: 3 Gay Youths Sentenced to Five Years
CAMEROON: Alice Nkom Warns of Rise in Arrests
CAMEROON: 2 Teens, 2 Men Face Trial
2 Gay Youth Arrested for "Looking Feminine"
2 Gay Youth Face Trial for Homosexuality
Air France Refuses to Deport Gay Asylum Seeker
CAMEROON: 3 More Arrests for Homosexuality
Cameroon: Pro-LGBT Attorney Threatened w/ Arrest
Cameroon Sentences Journalist to 6 Months
Cameroon Sentences Three for Homosexuality
Gay Man Imprisoned for Two Years Without Trial
"Homosexuelle en Afrique"
Cameroon Gay Man Re-Arrested

NIGERIA: Criticism After Actor Sentenced for "Unnatural Offences"

There has been public criticism and "mixed feelings" after a Nigerian actor was sentenced to three months in prison after admitting to having sex with another man, reports The Vanguard, a well-respected independent daily based in Lagos.  Some have publicly called the sentence "barbaric."

Twenty-eight-year-old Bestwood Chukwuemeka—an actor in movies produced by the nation's well-known "Nollywood" film industry—reportedly had a sexual encounter in August with another man while he was intoxicated. The other man "informed the police" who promptly arrested Chukwuemeka. The Abuja man eventually pleaded guilty to charges of "unnatural offences" and "homosexuality".

The Vanguard's report is noteworthy because it's fairly balanced and veers away from the entrenched homophobia often seen in Nigerian media.

While some Nigerians hailed the judgment of the court, very many others frowned at it, arguing that imprisonment of the up and coming actor was “barbaric and unacceptable to the people.”

According to those, who went online to express their feelings, being a homosexual should not be a crime punishable by law. One writes: "As far as I am concerned whether gay, bisexual or straight and as long as it is two consenting adults or individuals, love is love and a family is a family. I find it disheartening that this is what this country has come to. Who are we to judge a man for sleeping with another man?"

"If he raped the man in question, then he should be locked up. If it was consensual sex between two willing adults, then, they should let him go. As usual, Nigerians will conveniently call it a disgusting sin, leaving out the part that says promiscuous girls should be stoned to death and men shouldn’t shave ever." writes one Mark Francis.

Prosecutions related to homosexuality are rare in Africa's most populous country. Under existing federal law,  sodomy is punishable by jail. Twelve Islamic states in northern Nigeria have introduced the draconian Sharia law that has sentenced several gays to death. However, these death sentences have never been enforced.

Since 2007, the National Assembly has introduced several proposed versions of extreme anti-gay legislation.  A draconian bill passed last year by the Senate goes beyond merely banning same-sex marriage—which is already illegal—and would ban same sex relationships, ban same sex couples from living together, ban pro-LGBT websites or groups and prosecute their friends or human rights activists. The bill has since stalled under international pressure. Previous versions of the bill banned gays from meeting, living together, reading LGBT websites or even going out to dinner.

Same-sex acts are currently illegal in at least 38 of 54 African countries. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights. But the reality is much different for many Black gay South Africans. Brutal so-called "corrective rape" and murder are increasing against lesbians in SA's townships, as well as rape and attacks against gay men.

Some Background ...
Nigerian Actor Sentenced for "Unnatural Offences"
"Daily Sun" Warns "Homosexuals in Trouble"
NIGERIA: Activists Harassed During Testimony
Nigeria Advances Extreme Anti-Gay Bill
NIGERIA: Hearings Begin on Extreme Legislation
Nigerian Village Vows to "Stone Any Homosexual"
EU Considers Suspending Aid to Nigeria
Nigerian Legislators Vote to Ban Gay Marriages
EU: Level of Homophobia in Nigeria "Unacceptable"
Nigerian Mob Attacks Gay Activist
Nigerian Lynch Mob Storms Jail
Nigeria: 18 Gays Face Death Penalty
Nigerian Lesbian In Hiding After Reported Wedding
Nigeria's Homophobia Threatens Bid for Games
Nigeria One Step Closer to Outlawing Gays

REPORTS: Nigerian Actor Sentenced to Prison for "Unnatural Offences"

A Nigerian actor has reportedly been sentenced to three months in prison after admitting to having sex with another man.

Several reports from Nigeria claim that 28-year-old Bestwood Chukwuemeka—an actor in movies produced by the nation's well-known "Nollywood" film industry—was charged with sexual assault. AFP reports the Abuja man was charged with "unnatural offences" and "homosexuality".

According to police prosecutor Mohammed Umar, Chukwuemeka had a sexual encounter with a friend's brother in August at a private home and was later arrested after the other party informed the police. He initially denied the charge. "The case came up for hearing on Monday and the accused changed his plea and pleaded guilty to the offence after the witness (complainant) had testified," Umar told AFP. "The accused said he was intoxicated by alcohol. The accused was sentenced to three months imprisonment without an option of fine on Monday after a summary trial."

It was unclear if he had a lawyer and a representative of Nigeria's actors' guild could not immediately be reached for comment. Chukwuemeka is not a well known performer, but was identified as an actor by the prosecutor.

A slightly different version from the Nigerian Tribune, which reports the charge was rape.

The police prosecutor, Umar Mohammed, said that the victim had reported to the divisional headquarters of an alleged rape by the accused person. According to Mohammed, the accused person, Bestwood Chukwuemeka, had sexual intercourse with the complainant on his bed when the complainant was fast asleep. This, the prosecutor said, was contrary to section 284 of the Penal code.

In his response to the charges, Chukwuemeka pleaded not guilty. He said, "I came back drunk from the night club and thought I was sleeping on the same bed with my girl-friend and I started romancing her."

Prosecutions related to homosexuality are rare in Africa's most populous country. Under existing federal law,  sodomy is punishable by jail. Twelve Islamic states in northern Nigeria have introduced the draconian Sharia law that has sentenced several gays to death. However, these death sentences have never been enforced.

Since 2007, the National Assembly has introduced several proposed versions of extreme anti-gay legislation.  A draconian bill passed last year by the Senate goes beyond merely banning same-sex marriage—which is already illegal—and would ban same sex relationships, ban same sex couples from living together, ban pro-LGBT websites or groups and prosecute their friends or human rights activists. The bill has since stalled under international pressure. Previous versions of the bill banned gays from meeting, living together , reading LGBT websites or even going out to dinner.

Same-sex acts are currently illegal in at least 38 of 54 African countries. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights. But the reality is much different for many Black gay South Africans. Brutal so-called "corrective rape" and murder are increasing against lesbians in SA's townships, as well as rape and attacks against gay men.

Some Background ...
"Daily Sun" Warns "Homosexuals in Trouble"
NIGERIA: Activists Harassed During Testimony
Nigeria Advances Extreme Anti-Gay Bill
NIGERIA: Hearings Begin on Extreme Legislation
Nigerian Village Vows to "Stone Any Homosexual"
EU Considers Suspending Aid to Nigeria
Nigerian Legislators Vote to Ban Gay Marriages
EU: Level of Homophobia in Nigeria "Unacceptable"
Nigerian Mob Attacks Gay Activist
Nigerian Lynch Mob Storms Jail
Nigeria: 18 Gays Face Death Penalty
Nigerian Lesbian In Hiding After Reported Wedding
Nigeria's Homophobia Threatens Bid for Games
Nigeria One Step Closer to Outlawing Gays

Islamic, African States Walk Out of Historic UN Meeting on Gay Rights

Some high-level diplomats representing Islamic and African nations walked out of Wednesday's historic United Nations Human Rights Council meeting on LGBT rights.

This happened after United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Human Rights High Commissioner Navi Pillay told the Geneva-based council that gays and lesbians should be protected by all governments, reports Radio Free Europe.

In a video message to council members on March 7, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said persecution of gays was "an attack on the universal values that the United Nations and I have sworn to defend and uphold."

[Ban] called the imprisonment, torture, and killing of persons based on their sexual orientation "a monumental tragedy for those affected and a stain on our collective conscience. It is also a violation of international law. You, as members of the Human Rights Council, must respond.".

The session was held to consider a first-of-its-kind report released late last year by the UN's high commissioner for human rights, Navi Pillay, which identified "a clear pattern of targeted violence and discrimination directed at people because they are, or are perceived to be" lesbian, gay, bisexual. or transgender." The report cited reports of killings, rape, physical attacks, torture, arbitrary detention, the denial of right of assembly, and discrimination in employment, health, and education.

Among the disturbing examples cited was an account of lesbians being gang-raped in Kyrgyzstan, and an Uzbek human rights defender who was charged with homosexuality, beaten by police, and threatened with sexual assault.  The report also documented the Russian authorities' refusal to allow gay-rights activists to hold parades.

Wednesday's meeting was the council's first-ever session on sexual-orientation-based discrimination and violence. In June 2011, the UNHRC approved an historic resolution that condemned discrimination and violence against the LGBT community. The measure was sponsored by the United States, Colombia and South Africa. It was opposed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, among others.

Islamic and African diplomats continue to deny any of their citizens are at risk, reported Reuters.

Speaking before the walkout for the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan described homosexuality as "licentious behavior" while African group leader Senegal said it was not covered by global human rights accords.

Nigeria—where gay rights groups say there have been many attacks on male and female homosexuals—declared none of its citizens was at risk of violence because of sexual orientation or gender identity before it too left the chamber.

And Mauritania, for the Arab group, all of whose members are also in the OIC, said attempts to impose "the controversial topic of sexual orientation" would undermine discussion in the council of all genuine human rights problems.

United Nations Secretary General Ban also addressed LGBT issues at January's meeting of the African Union, claiming that some African nations have treated gays like "second-class citizens or even criminals."

Seventy-six of the UN's 192 member countries have laws criminalizing same-sex behavior. At least five countries, including Iran, impose the death penalty as punishment for same-sex relations.

The situation is most acute in Africa. Same-sex acts are currently illegal in at least 38 of 54 African countries. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights.

Some Background:
UN Chief Urges African Leaders to Respect Gay Rights
Obama to UN: All Countries Must Respect LGBT Rights
Statement by the President on Historic UN  Vote
UN Passes Historic Anti-LGBT Discrimination Resolution

UN Chief Urges African Leaders to Respect Gay Rights

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged African leaders to respect the rights of their gay and lesbian citizens. Some African nations have treated gays like "second-class citizens or even criminals", the UN chief declared Sunday at the opening of the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

"Let me mention one form of discrimination that has been ignored or even sanctioned by many states for far too long, discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This has prompted some governments to treat people as second-class citizens, or even criminals. Confronting this discrimination is a challenge. But we must live up to the ideas of the Universal Declaration. ... The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a promise to all people in all places at all times."

Same-sex acts are currently illegal in at least 38 of 54 African countries. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African nations that protect LGBT rights. South Africa is also the only African nation to guarantee marriage equality.

In recent months both the United States and the United Kingdom have warned they would use foreign aid to push for decriminalization of same-sex relations across the socially conservative continent. Africa boasts two-thirds of the world's HIV/AIDS cases. Many experts believe the prohibitions against homosexuality discourage many HIV positive gay African men from seeking treatment.

The African Union summit opens as tensions and violence are escalating across the continent. Nigeria has been rocked by terrorism and sectarian violence that has killed hundreds. The growing tension between Sudan and South Sudan and the war in Somalia are also expected to be major discussion points.

VIDEO: African LGBT Leader Joel Nana Criticizes UK PM Cameron

ADDIS ABABA: More criticism after British Prime Minister David Cameron's suggestion that foreign aid should be decreased to countries that do not respect gay rights. Cameron made the announcement at the recent 54-nation Commonwealth meeting in Australia in response to soaring HIV rates in the global south. A number of African leaders have criticized the suggestion—as well as many African LGBT activists at ICASA 2011 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Watch the video clip AFTER THE JUMP ...

"Cameron's statement was extremely dangerous to our movement," said South African-based attorney and human rights activist Joel Nana of the African Men for Sexual Health and Rights, responding to a question from R20. "It re-emphasizes the notion that homosexuality is un-African or European. It shows that Great Britain will cut aid over LGBT issues and nothing else. ... We're also part of mainstream African society. They're also cutting aid to youth services and people living with HIV."

"We know that Britain is facing some economic problems, " said Nana. "If Britain wants to cut aid, let them cut aid because of that, but not over LGBT rights in our name."

Nana and more than 100 African-based activists and organizations issued a statement in response to Cameron's suggestion. Many activists from Cameroon, Nigeria and other African nations believe that anti-gay persecution has escalated in recent months as a result of Cameron's threat.

Watch the video clip AFTER THE JUMP ...

Africa's Anti-Gay Laws a Key Focus at ICASA 2011 in Addis Ababa

ADDIS ABABA: The legal status of men who have sex with men (MSM) and the criminalization of HIV transmission across Africa was discussed in several plenary sessions at the 16th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The trend was also the focus of several key sessions, including the standing room only "Key Populations on HIV/AIDS: LGBT."

The Tuesday, December 6 panel was moderated by Jim Pickett of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Paul Perchal of Canada's of EngenderHealth. The panelists included South Africa's Zoe Duby of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation and Joel Nana of the African Men for Sexual Health and Rights—read our interview from AIDS 2010 in Vienna.

Duby is in charge of the Tutu Foundation's MSM Sensitivity Training for Health Care Workers. She presented an overview of the legal landscape for African MSM: "African is the continent with the harshest laws when it comes to homosexuality and other sexual minorities. Thirty-eighty African nations have laws criminalizing homosexuality. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for same-sex activity."

Although a number of nations such as Burundi, Cameroon, Nigeria and Uganda have proposed harsher penalties for same-sex relations, there have been some improvements. "Fourteen nations have included MSM in national strategic HIV/AIDS plans," said Duby. "And there is an emerging MSM movement in almost every nation ... as well as regional movements such as AMSHeR.

AMSHer's Joel Nana welcomed support from American and European activitists—but reminded everyone that Africans should take the lead in addresing African problems. "As the African LGBT movement, we cannot work alone," said the attorney and human rights activist. "We have to work together. But when there is an issue with Nigeria, for instance, who usually issues the statements and protests? They are in London and New York. ... Why aren't African LGBTs consulted before these actions?"

Nana and several Nigerian MSM activists in the audience referenced recent anti-Nigerian protests in New York and London. "If anything, that's made the situation worse," said one African activist in the audience. "If those Nigerians in the diaspora feel so strongly, why not return to Nigeria and do something?"

As was the case at most MSM sessions throughout ICASA 2011, the Q&A session was interrupted several times by anti-gay and religious audience members.

Nana and AMSHeR organized a one-day MSM pre-conference on the eve of ICASA 2011. The meeting was forced to change its venue after Ethiopian religious leaders demanded its cancellation at ugly press conference. The MSM pre-con was re-scheduled to a secure location at one of the United Nations compounds. Christian and Islamic clergy and faithful demonstrated across the street from the new location.

You May Want to Read:
Ethiopian Religious Leaders Protest Gay Meeting
AIDS 2010: Joel Nana on African MSM

HEADLINE: Nigeria's "Daily Sun" Warns "Homosexuals in Trouble"

R20 reader and Lagos resident "Kritz" sends this photo of the front page of today's edition of The Daily Sun, the largest circulation newspaper in Nigeria.

The headline warns "Homosexuals in Trouble" and reports on Tuesday's Senate vote on the extreme anti-gay legislation. The draconian bill proposed in Africa's most populous nation goes beyond merely banning same-sex marriage—which is already illegal—and would ban same sex relationships, ban same sex couples from living together, ban pro-LGBT websites or groups and prosecute their friends or human rights activists.

It also goes beyond the original bill to mandate even harsher punishment for these "offenses."

Senate yesterday brushed aside threats from Britain to cut aids to African countries that violate the rights of gays and lesbians by passing a bill which criminalises same sex marriage. The lawmakers unanimously approved a 14-year jail term for perpetrators, four years more than the recommended punishment from the Senator Umaru Dahiru-led Committee on Judiciary and Human Rights.

Senate considered the Bill for an Act to prohibit marriage or civil union entered into between persons of same sex, solemnization of same and for other matters related therewith on Tuesday.

Sub-sections 2 and 3 also stipulate fines for any person who either operates or participates in gay marriages as well as spell out punishment and fines for witnesses. "Any person who registers, operates or participates in gay clubs, societies and organisations or directly or indirectly make public show of same sex amorous relationship in Nigeria commits an offence and shall each be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years in prison."

Under existing federal law,  sodomy is punishable by jail. Twelve Islamic states in northern Nigeria have introduced the draconian Sharia law that has sentenced several gays to death. These sentences have never been enforced.

Since 2007, the National Assembly has twice proposed extreme anti-gay legislation, but the bills have stalled under international pressure. Previous versions of the bill banned gays from meeting, living together , reading LGBT websites or even going out to dinner.

At least 32 of Africa's 54 nations currently have laws penalizing same-sex relations or even sexuality. Three nations—Mauritania, Nigeria and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa is the continent's only nation that guarantees LGBT protections and marriage equality.

State Department and White House have not commented on this legislation. The United States imports 10 percent of its oil from Nigeria. "The U.S. remains Nigeria's largest customer for crude oil, accounting for 40% of the country's total oil exports," per the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Nigeria Advances Extreme Anti-Gay Bill, Bans Same Sex Relationships

More on the extreme anti-gay legislation proposed in Nigeria. The draconian bill proposed in Africa's most populous nation goes beyond merely banning same-sex marriage—which is already illegal—and would ban same sex relationships, ban same sex couples from living together, and prosecute their friends or human rights activists.

Nigeria's senate voted today to mandate prison terms of more than a decade for those in same-sex relationships, reports South Africa's Mail & Guardian.

The Bill heads to Nigeria's House of Representatives, who have to approve the Bill and send it to President Goodluck Jonathan for his signature before it becomes law. However, public opinion—and lawmakers' calls for even harsher penalties for being gay—shows wide support for the measure in the deeply religious nation. "Such elements in society should be killed," senator Baba Dati said during the debate.

Under the measure, couples who marry could face up to 14 years in jail and witnesses or anyone who helps couples marry could be sentenced to 10 years behind bars. That's an increase over the Bill's initial penalties.

The proposed law also has drawn the interest of European Union countries, some of which already offer Nigeria's sexual minorities asylum based on gender identity. The British government also recently threatened to cut aid to African countries that violate the rights of gay and lesbian citizens. However, British aid remains quite small in oil-rich Nigeria, one of the top crude suppliers to the US.

Under existing federal law,  sodomy is punishable by jail. Twelve Islamic states in northern Nigeria have introduced the draconian Sharia law that has sentenced several gays to death. These sentences have never been enforced.

Since 2007, the National Assembly has twice proposed extreme anti-gay legislation, but the bills have stalled under international pressure. Previous versions of the bill banned gays from meeting, living together , reading LGBT websites or even going out to dinner. In June 2011, the oil-rich West African nation lead opposition to the historic United Nations Human Rights Council resolution that condemned discrimination and violence against LGBT persons.

At least 32 of Africa's 54 nations currently have laws penalizing same-sex relations or even sexuality. Three nations—Mauritania, Nigeria and Sudan—boast the death penalty for gays or same-sex activity. South Africa is the continent's only nation that guarantees LGBT protections and marriage equality but the reality is much different for many Black gay South Africans. Brutal so-called "corrective rape" and murder are increasing against lesbians in South Africa's townships, as well as rape and attacks against gay men.