Johannesburg Pride dedicated to ‘those who cannot march for themselves’
Johannesburg Pride organizers dedicated their annual event that took place on Saturday to LGBTQ people in Uganda and other African countries. “We marched not only for our local LGBTQ+ community but also in solidarity with our Ugandan and African counterparts who face unique challenges in their fight for equality,” said the organizers in a press release. “Johannesburg Pride was honoured to raise awareness for those who cannot march for themselves, shining a spotlight on the issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals across the African continent.” Media reports indicate more than 20,000 people participated in the march that ended at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on May 29 signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which contains a death penalty provision for “aggravated homosexuality.” Lawmakers in Kenya and Tanzania are urging their governments to enact similar measures.
Authorities in Nigeria’s Delta state in August arrested more than 200 people at a same-sex wedding. The Mauritius Supreme Court earlier this month issued a ruling that decriminalized consensual same-sex sexual relations.
The Namibia Supreme Court in May ordered the government to recognize same-sex marriages legally conducted in South Africa and other countries.
