By John Mack Freeman
Even though gay sex is punishable in Botswana by up to five years in prison, a judge found this week that the state had no method to stop a gay rights group from forming inside the country. Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Botswana got the go ahead this week that their existence was not illegal by current Botswanan law. The group’s founder had this to say about the ruling (via the BBC):
“I am happy with the judgement – it has sent a message to the government, the entire region and Africa.
“We are overjoyed at the outcome of the case. Lesbians, gays and bisexuals have long strived to be able to form an organisation which can support them and be their voice on matters that affect them.
“It has been a long and arduous journey towards recognition and we are relieved that the court has protected our rights.
The ruling is especially important in that it gives precedent in Botswana that simply being homosexual or belonging to an LGBT rights group is not inherently a crime. Although the country has a long way to go before true safety and equality is achieved, this is a much needed step in the right direction.
