New hope for human rights activists despite staunch opposition :: Mmegi Online

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.

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