Last month’s judgment by the Gaborone High Court to decriminalize consensual same sex relations is a victory in the battle for equality and freedom to love whomever you choose.
Botswana is the latest country in Africa to decriminalize same sex relations, following Angola in January 2019, Seychelles in 2016, Mozambique in 2015 and São Tomé and Príncipe, and Lesotho in 2012. Amnesty International calls on other African countries to follow their inspiring example.
“[The] court judgment sends a strong message that no one should be harassed, discriminated against or criminalized because of their sexual orientation. With this ruling, Botswana has said ‘no’ to intolerance and hate, and ‘yes’ to hope and equality for all people,” said Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Southern Africa.
