Good Grief... I just learn about this mess.
Rwanda's lower house will vote on a penal code that will make homosexuality a crime.
According to the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, the proposed Article 217 of the draft Penal Code Act will criminalise "[a]ny person who practices, encourages or sensitises people of the same sex, to sexual relation or any sexual practice."
It would impose prison sentences of between five and ten years for those convicted of homosexual acts.
The "encouraging and sensitising" aspects would mean a ban on counselling and could impact on health services for gays and lesbians.
Fines will range from 200,000 to one million Rwandan francs (£216 to £1,090). According to Box Turtle Bulletin, the average yearly Rwandan wage is just over 200,000 Rwandan Francs. If approved, it is likely to go before the Rwandan Senate in early 2010.
The move has been condemned by LGBT group Horizon Community Association of Rwanda (HOCA) and the Coalition of African Lesbians.
HOCA president Naomi Ruzindana said: “Our country and our people refuse to recognise the fact that we exist.
We feel you, Naomi. Y'all stay tight over there.
3 comments:
What a headache!
Well, this is the country that slaughtered over 1 million Tutsis(Native citizens)...
I can sadly see something like that happening again.
Well, with the exception of South Africa, I won't be taking any vacations to the mother land anytime soon.
The domino effect has begun.
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