Homophobia in africa
Due to the high rates of homophobia in Africa and specifically Uganda, other countries have implemented discriminatory and cruel policies on homosexuality as well.
Nigeria has implemented the policies of the same criminal code since 1990
Countries such as Nigeria are intolerant of the LGBT community in Africa, similar to Uganda.
Nigeria has implemented the policies of the same criminal code since 1990, which include articles against same-sex relations, public homosexuality, and relations with any LGBT organization or establishment. Twelve states in Northern Nigeria have also adopted Islamic Sharia laws that prescribe whippings, imprisonment, or even the death penalty.
​
With these laws, Nigeria is punishing anything related to the LGBT community and culture, and blocking any way to fight these discriminatory government policies.
Only 35%Of African countries Have legalized homosexuality
Somalia has also developed a homophobic attitude as seen through their policies. Somalia has criminalized homosexuality since colonial era laws were implemented, but their most recent update was in 1962 with Article 409, which states that homosexuality can be punished by imprisonment from a few months to many years. This law is used by Somalia, due to their religious Shariah law influence. Somalia also implements the death penalty in some regions. If a same-sex relationship is publicized, there are punishments that can be as extreme as death by stoning.
These laws have changed the lives of many in Somalia, with stories such as Diriye Osman’s. Diriye Osman is a Somali artist and writer who identifies as a gay man. He now lives in the UK, but described Somalia as a place that is difficult to come out. He saw the abuse, harassment, imprisonment, and death sentence in Somalia. His own family even violently threatened him when they learned he was gay.
