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
The Boko-led administration has to tread carefully

‘When you make peace withyourself, you make peace with the world’- Maha GhosanandaThis may come at a huge cost if not handled properly. What started off on Labour Day in Letlhakane this year, where Boko was in attendance when the militant lawyer-cum-trade unionist, Robert Rabasimane rebutted the President’s address in defence of the trade union has seemingly spiralled out of control. The issue is now creating a cat-and-mouse type of a...

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