Road smoother for gay rights movement :: Mmegi Online

The Court of Appeal (CoA) upholding a previous court ruling on Wednesday, will go down in history as a momentous day for human rights in Botswana. Endorsing the rights of the association for gays and lesbians can only mean so much for the country’s minority group. Staff Writer MPHO MOKWAPE takes a look at what the achievement means to them and the public at large.

With the order for government to recognise Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO), who have long been lobbying for the decriminalisation of homosexuality, the journey now becomes less bumpy. Even more so for LEGABIBO’s counterpart, Botswana Networks on Ethics, Law and HIV/AIDS (BONELA).

In a stern judgment, CoA Judge President, Ian Kirby said while strong dissenting views are still expressed by religious and other groups, many people, especially prominent ones like politicians have begun to speak out in support of gay and lesbian rights.

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