Campaigners say jailing of gay men poses setback to HIV fight in Africa

August 26, 2015 1:32 PM

Gay men's preventative efforts could now transform them into targets for authorities, campaigners said.

A man waves a rainbow flag while observing a gay pride parade in San Francisco, California June 28, 2015. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage

It took less than a minute for a panel of judges in Senegal to sentence seven men to six months in prison for homosexuality last week, but campaigners say the harm to the African nation's anti-HIV efforts could last much longer.

Senegal, a Muslim country regarded as a pillar of democracy in turbulent West Africa, is one of about 30 African states with anti-homosexuality laws. Yet the country of 14 million people also prides itself on its vigorous, and successful, anti-HIV efforts.

Campaigners warned that Friday's verdict, based on a police discovery of condoms and lubricant in the house where the men were arrested, was a hammer blow to groups promoting safe sex.

"We are prevented from carrying condoms. We are prevented from carrying lube," said Djamil Bangoura, president of Prudence Association, an organisation promoting rights for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transsexuals (LGBT). "That's what I understood from the (trial)."

A police spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

On a 2013 visit to Senegal, U.S. President Barack Obama called for steps to make homosexuals equal before the law in Africa.

President Macky Sall replied that gays are not persecuted in Senegal but that his country is not ready to decriminalise homosexuality.

Senegalese law prescribes up to five years in prison and a 1,500,000 CFA fine ($2,587) for homosexuality, says the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association’s 2015 report.

Its anti-homosexuality laws are not as severe as others in West Africa. In certain parts of Nigeria, being gay is punishable by death, while Gambia recently passed a law making 'aggravated homosexuality' - sex with minors or if you are HIV positive - punishable with life in prison.

But Neela Ghoshal, senior researcher for Human Rights Watch on LGBTI issues, said Senegal is one of a handful of countries that regularly prosecuted individuals under these laws.

"There is a disconnect between what is needed in terms of public health policy and what the government is willing to accept in terms of decriminalisation," she said.