LGBT rights in Africa

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LGBT rights in Africa are limited in comparison to other areas of the world, with the BBC estimating that homosexuality is outlawed in 38 African countries. In 13 nations homosexuality is either legal or there are no laws pertaining to it.[1]

European colonialists and missionaries are responsible for the vast majority of these anti-gay attitudes and laws.[citation needed]Pre-colonial Africa was very tolerant of homosexuality, as it was an integral part of a culture in many cases.[citation needed]

In Mauritania, Sudan, and northern Nigerian, homosexuality can be punishable by death. In Uganda, "offenders" can gain a maximum of a life imprisonment for homosexual acts.

South Africa has the most liberal attitudes with a constitution which guarantees gay and lesbian rights.

[edit] References

  1. ^ BBC NEWS | World | Africa | Africa's lesbians demand change