Mmegi

New hope for human rights activists despite staunch opposition

Hoping for change: LGBTI activists in the country hope the new government will introduce friendlier laws FILE PIC
Hoping for change: LGBTI activists in the country hope the new government will introduce friendlier laws FILE PIC

Activists remain hopeful that Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko’s November election will help Constitutional reforms—that previously failed in Parliament—move forward in the new administration, despite continued opposition from religious leaders.

Human rights supporters say Constitutional reforms remain necessary to protect a wide range of citizens, including additional rights to members of the LGBTQI+ community.

Although Botswana decriminalised so-called sodomy laws in 2019, protections do not extend to all LGBTQI+ people, including those identifying as intersex or transgender. Legislation proposed last fall would have expanded human rights of the LGBTQI+ community and establish better legal protections, but it was not passed. Opposition from religious groups, which continues today, is the reason, activists say.

Editor's Comment
Public servants deserve better than union infighting

‘The strongest bond of human sympathy outside the family relation should be one uniting working people of all nations and tongues and kindreds’.- Abraham LincolnUntil then, the Council’s operations remain suspended, delaying critical decisions affecting thousands of public sector employees.The current standoff is between the Manual Workers Union on one side and the Six Cooperating Trade Unions, namely BONU, BOPEU, BTU, BDU, BOSETU and...

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