Gay marriage in africa
Chapter 11Same-sex intimate relationships and marriages among African indigenous people
Abstract
Same-sex intimate relationships and marriages among indigenous people in Africa are viewed as un-African. In most African societies, sexuality is perceived as being exclusively heterosexual. One of the rationales for promoting heterosexuality as the preferred sexual orientation is reportedly to protect and preserve African culture and traditions. However, it should be noted that it was uncommon among African communities to talk about sexuality and sex-related matters as it is viewed as a taboo and a secret matter. As a fallout, homosexuality in Africa is not adequately researched or spoken about. However, several studies have reported on same-sex intimate relationships and same-sex marriages within African societies. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss concerning views on homosexuality in Africa, the practices of same-sex relationships and marriages on the continent. The chapter also looks at spiritually driven same-sex relationships and culturally driven same-sex relationships. The chapter provides a short discussion on the attitudes of African states towards people eng
6 Countries in Africa That Have Legalized Same-Sex Relationships in the Past 10 Years
Editor's note: This article was originally published on Feb. 25, 2021 and has been updated to enclose other countries across Africa that have legalised lgbtq+ relationships since publication.
Nearly half of the countries worldwide where homosexuality is outlawed are in Africa, according to a 2020 global review by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Intersex Association (ILGA).
In fact, out of the 54 African states, only 22 of them have legalized homosexuality. In some countries it is punishable by imprisonment, while it is punishable by death in four — Mauritania, Nigeria (in states where sharia statute is applied), Somalia, and South Sudan.
For the majority of African nations, anti-LGBTQIA+ laws date back to the colonial era. However, LGBTQIA+ communities continue to face stigma, discrimination, and widespread threats and aggression as a result of their sexual orientation and gender identities to this day.
In 2006, South Africa became the first and remains the only African country to legalize homosexual marriage, with a constitution that a
South Africa to legalize same-sex attracted marriage
The South African parliament Tuesday overwhelmingly approved legislation recognizing gay marriages — a first for a continent where homosexuality is largely taboo.
By a vote of 230-41 with three abstentions, the National Assembly passed the Civil Union Bill, a compromise that resulted from months of heated public discussion. Both traditionalists and gay activists have criticized the measure, and there have been warnings that it might be unconstitutional.
African National Congress veterans heralded the bill for extending basic freedoms to everyone and equated it with liberation from the shackles of apartheid.
“When we attained our democracy, we sought to distinguish ourselves from an unjust painful past, by declaring that never again shall it be that any South African will be discriminated against on the basis of color, creed culture and sex,” Place Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula told the National Assembly.
But a Christian lawmaker, Kenneth Meshoe, said it was the “saddest day in our 12 years of democracy” and warned that South Africa “was provoking God’s anger.”
One church head in Nigeria denounced the move as “satanic,” refl
Why Is Africa So Anti-Gay?
Of the 76 countries that still criminalise gay relationships and behaviour, 38 are African. Recent surveys also show that the overwhelming majority of people who live in Africa strongly disapprove of homosexuality. This is even the case in South Africa, the only country on the continent that has legalised same-sex marriage.
Last month, socially conservative Ireland voted convincingly to legalise homosexual marriage. It became the first country where the people, as opposed to the courts or parliament, decided to legalise gay marriage. Ireland is now one of 20 countries globally that permit queer marriage. Fifteen years ago, such marriage was not legal anywhere in the world. What the science is saying
Africa’s strong anti-homosexuality sentiment, harsh laws and active discrimination against queer woman, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people warrant exploration.
A report by the Academy of Science of South Africa reviews recent science about human sexuality and sexual orientation and challenges attitudes that are common in many African countries. The report also provides some explanation about the attitudes and
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