Mali on the verge of criminalizing homosexuality
Mali’s Transitional National Council on Oct. 31 adopted a draft penal code that would criminalize acts of homosexuality. Minister Mamoudou Kassogué after the TNC meeting said any person who advocates or engages in same-sex relations will be prosecuted. “There are provisions in our laws that prohibit homosexuality in Mali,” he said. “Anyone engaging in this practice, promoting or apologizing for it, will be prosecuted.
We will not accept that our customs and values are violated by people from elsewhere.” Nginda Nganga, an African LGBTQ rights activist, said the Malian government should not be concerned about other people’s sexual orientation. “LGBTQI+ people have always existed, and they always will.
It’s a human rights issue, and honestly, I have never understood why some are so concerned about others’ personal choices and private lives,” said Nganga. “It’s strange.” Eugene Djoko, another African rights activist, said deterring and monitoring one’s sexual orientation will not solve the country’s problems. “According to the minister, anyone who practices, promotes or glorifies homosexuality will be prosecuted, however, restraining personal liberties is not how you will fix the country’s problems,” said Djoko.
Amnesty International in its 2023/2024 report said violence and discrimination against people based on descent remained prevalent in Mali.
