ADVERTISEMENT

Government threatens to ban groups supporting gay rights

"We still recognise two traditional sexes and there's nothing in between or beyond ... Any effort to claim otherwise is not allowed."

Tanzania threatens to ban groups supporting gay rights

Tanzania has threatened to ban non-governmental groups that "promote" the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in the first public statement the government has made against the minority group.

Gay sex is illegal in Tanzania and punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

The East African country has a reputation for being more tolerant towards LGBTI people than its neighbour Uganda but recent comments attacking the group have sparked fears and condemnation from activists.

In a statement late on Wednesday, the deputy minister for health, community, development and gender, Hamisi Kigwangala, said the Tanzanian government took traditional values seriously and would "always protect them".

ADVERTISEMENT

"I cannot deny the presence of LGBTI people in our country and the risk they pose in fuelling the spread of HIV/AIDS but we don't subscribe to the assertion that there's a 'gender continuum'," Kigwangala said.

"We still recognise two traditional sexes and there's nothing in between or beyond ... Any effort to claim otherwise is not allowed.

"Tanzania does not allow activist groups carrying out campaigns that promote homosexuality ... Any attempt to commit unnatural offences is illegal and severely punished by law," he added.

Kigwangala's comments came a month after Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda announced a crackdown against gay people in Tanzania's commercial capital.

He said he would use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to identify and arrest people suspected of being gay in the port city.

ADVERTISEMENT

In July, the government announced it would ban imports and sales of lubricants to "curb" the spread of HIV.

Kigwangala said the government, in conjunction with the Tanzania Commission for AIDS, had started to vet gay rights NGOs.

Nurdeen Supa, a gay rights activist with LGBT Voice of Tanzania, an officially registered NGO, expressed concern the government move would further fuel discrimination against LGBTI people.

"They are simply instilling fear in vulnerable people who live their lives without harming anybody," Supa told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Kaduna Gov grants scholarship to 137 rescued schoolchildren, son of late teacher

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT