Mali’s new law criminalizing homosexuality poses grave risks to the LGBT community, leading to increased discrimination and violence. Under the military regime, already weak human rights protections have further deteriorated, fostering an environment of fear. The law, aimed at enforcing so-called traditional values, contradicts both national and international commitments to human dignity.
On October 31, Mali’s Transitional National Council passed a harrowing law that criminalizes homosexuality, plunging the nation into a deeper abyss of stigma and violence against the LGBT community. This legislation stems from a troubling backdrop of military rule and escalating tensions, targeting not just sexual minorities but anyone who fails to conform to rigid gender norms. The once-implicit threat of persecution has now crystallized into law, with undefined terms like “promotion of homosexuality” expanding the scope for arbitrary arrests and abuses. Activists now live under a cloak of fear, as the absence of clarity around penalties only fuels uncertainty and dread within these marginalized communities.
The recent legislative move by Mali’s government signals a troubling turn in a nation already grappling with a deteriorating human rights landscape, worsened by military rule since 2021. Under the guise of protecting traditional values, the government aims to crush dissent and perpetuate a climate of fear, reminiscent of other regions where minority rights are trampled. Historically, while homosexuality wasn’t explicitly illegal, vague laws have provided ammunition for persecution, leading to a culture where everyday living becomes an act of bravery for LGBT individuals. Now, this draconian law threatens to institutionalize discrimination on a national scale.
The passage of this law marks a significant setback for human rights in Mali, particularly for the LGBT community, whose very existence is now criminalized in the name of preserving moral values. With the government’s stated intent conflicting with international legal obligations, the need for action is immediate. In the face of rising abuses based on gender identity and expression, Mali must return to its commitment to protect all citizens, ensuring that human rights are not just a distant ideal but a practical reality for everyone.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
