I got this from Amnesty International:
Dear Tracy,
Did you know that homosexuality is illegal - actually criminal - in 38 African countries? In four African countries, a "homosexuality" conviction is punishable by death.
How about the extreme prevalence of rape of lesbians? Police told one woman in Cameroon that her rapist had the right to "cure" her of being a lesbian by raping her.
It's just sick.
Right now, during this week of historic rulings on LGBT rights in the U.S., President Obama is on a week-long trip to Africa. He's visiting 3 countries - all of which outlaw or deeply stigmatize homosexuality. This is our moment to push for change.
President Obama, challenge leaders in Africa to stop violence against the LGBTI community and protect the human rights of ALL their citizens.
This week Amnesty International released a blistering report, "Making Love a Crime," about the rampant state of homophobia and discrimination in Sub-Saharan Africa. It clearly shows an intense rise in hatred, harassment and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) individuals.
From the report:
Did you know that homosexuality is illegal - actually criminal - in 38 African countries? In four African countries, a "homosexuality" conviction is punishable by death.
How about the extreme prevalence of rape of lesbians? Police told one woman in Cameroon that her rapist had the right to "cure" her of being a lesbian by raping her.
It's just sick.
Right now, during this week of historic rulings on LGBT rights in the U.S., President Obama is on a week-long trip to Africa. He's visiting 3 countries - all of which outlaw or deeply stigmatize homosexuality. This is our moment to push for change.
President Obama, challenge leaders in Africa to stop violence against the LGBTI community and protect the human rights of ALL their citizens.
This week Amnesty International released a blistering report, "Making Love a Crime," about the rampant state of homophobia and discrimination in Sub-Saharan Africa. It clearly shows an intense rise in hatred, harassment and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) individuals.
From the report:
Frank Mugisha in Uganda had his tires slashed and once was slapped across the face by a man who told everyone nearby: "He is a homosexual." He recalls a neighbor coming up to him and saying: "Why are you still alive?"Urge President Obama to use his visit to Africa to denounce violence and homophobia.
Jean-Claude Roger Mbede in Cameroon was convicted of "attempted homosexuality" on the basis of sending a text message to another man. He served three years in prison.
Same-sex couple Steven and Tiwonge in Malawi were arrested soon after their symbolic wedding ceremony. They were both convicted and sentenced to 14 years of hard labor. The public prosecutor asked for a heavy sentence because he said that they had left "a scar on morality."*
I do have reason to be optimistic.
Thanks to an ever growing number of courageous activists, the LGBTI movement in this region is flourishing. Together they are starting to chip away at discriminatory laws in Mozambique, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Botswana and the Seychelles.
President Obama can give their cause a tremendous boost if he takes a strong public stand during this trip.
I need you with us. Add your name to our petition and stand up for human rights.
In solidarity,
Cristina Finch
Managing Director
Women's Human Rights Program
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