Gabon

As of July 7, 2020, same-sex sexual activity is legal in Gabon—a move symbolizing the changing attitudes in the nation and continent (Roeder, 2020). However, same-sex couples remain deprived of legal recognition and protection from discrimination. Due to strong negative social attitudes, “LGBT individuals often kept their status secret from the community for fear of being harassed or discriminated against,”and, “homosexuality remains taboo... [and] is generally considered an illness” (Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, 2011; Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, 2007). The government’s position on LGBTQI issues has been shaky in the past: in 2008, Gabon co-sponsored and signed a UN declaration calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality; in 2011, however, it rejected a joint statement condemning violence and discrimination against the LGBTQI community (Human Rights Watch, 2008; United Nations, 2011). Perhaps, the recent legislative victory indicates the advent of a new era of respect and visibility for the nation’s SGM communities. For the moment, most fear reprisals and, “resistance from the general population” (Kenny, 2020).

Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. (2011). 2010 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/af/154347.htm

Human Rights Watch. (2008, December). UN: General Assembly Statement Affirms Rights for Al1. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2008/12/18/un-general-assembly-statement-affirms-rights-all#

Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. (2007, March). Gabon: Situation of homosexuals; attitude of authorities and society toward homosexuals; human rights violations against homosexuals. Refworld. https://www.refworld.org/docid/485ba861c.html

Kenny, O. (2020, June). Gabon takes historic first step towards passing new law decriminalising same-sex relations. Gay Community News. https://gcn.ie/gabon-law-decriminalising-same-sex-relations/

Mendes, L. R. (2019, March). State-Sponsored Homophobia. The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, And Intersex Association. https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2019.pdf

Roeder, K. (2020, July). Gabon formally decriminalizes homosexuality. Washington Blade. https://www.washingtonblade.com/2020/07/08/gabon-formally-decriminalizes-homosexuality/

The World Bank. (2019). Gabon.Data. https://data.worldbank.org/country/GA

United Nations. (2011, July). 17/19 Human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity. United Nations General Assembly. https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/HRC/RES/17/19

United Nations Aids. (2019). AidsInfo. United Nations. http://aidsinfo.unaids.org/