Unlike numerous countries across the African continent, Gabon did not have a colonial-era ban on same-sex relations. Instead, a ban had been introduced in 2019 criminalising same-sex relations between both men and women. This ban has now been reversed. The reversal of the ban has been met with controversy and a strong backlash from religious leaders and others, leading to mounting hate speech and driving LGBTQ+ activists and people into hiding for fear of retaliation.
Jessica Stern, Executive Director of LGBTQ+ human rights organisation OutRight Action International, comments: “We commend both Houses of Parliament of Gabon on repealing a ban on same-sex relations.
‘It is shocking that over a third of the world’s countries continue to criminalise same-sex love, in stark contrast to basic human dignity and international human rights standards.
‘The decision in Gabon decreases the total number of countries criminalising same-sex relations by one. This is not only an affirmation of the right of LGBTQ+ people in Gabon to love whom they choose, but also an inspiration to activists in countries in which these bans still exist or are being considered.
‘We hope to see authorities in Gabon take steps to reduce hate speech and promote acceptance of its LGBTQ+ citizens.”
For more information on OutRight Action International, visit their website.