The United States must deliver a powerful guiding message on LGBTQI+ rights in Africa, focusing on tolerance in regions where these rights are under severe threat. With almost half of the nations that penalize same-sex relations being in Africa, the urgency for a compelling message is paramount. In fact, Africa remains the only continent where little progress has been made towards decriminalization since 1950, with the percentage of countries permitting same-sex relationships barely shifting.
Recently, many African nations have intensified anti-LGBTQI+ measures. For instance, Uganda’s passing of a strict anti-homosexuality law in 2023 has serious ramifications, including denying healthcare access to LGBTQI+ individuals. Similarly, Ghana’s judiciary upheld outdated laws against same-sex conduct while imposing heavy penalties, showcasing a broader trend of oppressive legislative actions against LGBTQI+ communities across the continent.
To counteract this growing repression, the United States needs to meticulously craft its messaging to engage those resistant to accepting rights. It’s imperative that Washington’s arguments in favor of LGBTQI+ rights resonate deeply, emphasizing the importance of tolerance over the controversial notion of approval. This nuanced approach could encourage a broader acceptance of rights grounded in human dignity and equality.
During his tenure as the U.S. ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, the author engaged in meaningful dialogue with African leaders, learning that excessive assertiveness often provokes backlash. A senior diplomat articulated that “overreach invites backlash.” Similarly, a senior Catholic leader remarked that while he disapproved of homosexuality, tolerance could be maintained within cultural frameworks that prioritize coexistence. This illustrates the need to differentiate between legal rights and moral approval, underscoring tolerance as an essential value in many African societies.
Promoting tolerance aligns with cultural values and can foster pride. Influential religious figures across Africa, such as certain Muslim leaders advocating against HIV/AIDS stigma, have demonstrated this. Furthermore, recent statements from Catholic authorities promote a message of tolerance, exemplified by Pope Francis declaring homosexuality as a sin, but not a crime. Notably, Ghana’s Cardinal Turkson identified the critical need for education to distinguish between legal and illegal activities, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing disapproval from unlawful actions.
Opponents often conflate tolerance with approval, presenting a challenge in the discourse surrounding LGBTQI+ rights. The U.S. must assert that these rights are grounded in legal frameworks, emphasizing the dual basis of nondiscrimination and dignity. The principle of nondiscrimination is enshrined in various international treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), showing that rights should be protected regardless of identity, including sexual orientation.
Africans generally recognize the significance of nondiscrimination, informed by their own historical struggles against injustice. The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights affirms the right to be free from discrimination and emphasizes mutual respect. However, while nondiscrimination pertains to identity, the legal right to privacy applies to sexual conduct, further underscoring the need for clear communication regarding the scope and nature of LGBTQI+ rights.
While LGBTQI+ activists have made great strides in the West, a more pragmatic approach is essential in Africa. There is no right to others’ approval, which could undermine individual conscience. High aspirations might inadvertently deepen societal rifts and reinforce misconceptions about the nature of tolerance. The U.S. must be mindful of how its public messaging is received, ensuring that it does not inadvertently legitimize misconceptions about the promotion of immoral conduct.
The U.S. should carefully calibrate its outreach and messaging strategy in Africa. Diplomatic participation in local Pride events can send messages of approval, which may be counterproductive. Where such events are lawful, it might not be necessary for U.S. officials to attend to avoid the appearance of imposing Western cultural values. The State Department must balance its advocacy for rights with respect for local laws and customs.
Many U.S. diplomats may not fully grasp the nuanced messaging needed to promote human rights effectively. To drive progress, the State Department should champion a consistent narrative advocating for human rights without overextending into activities that could be seen as promoting LGBTQI+ lifestyle choices. Establishing this disciplined message of tolerance offers the best chance for meaningful dialogue on rights in a complex cultural landscape.
The U.S. must promote LGBTQI+ rights in Africa through a message of tolerance. Many African countries still criminalize same-sex relations, and recent anti-LGBTQI+ laws intensify repression. By focusing on lawful rights of identity and dignity without seeking approval, the U.S. can engage more effectively with African societies, balancing cultural respect with advocacy for essential human rights.
In summary, the U.S. must adopt a strategy promoting LGBTQI+ rights in Africa centered around tolerance, respecting local cultural values while advocating for essential human rights. By emphasizing understanding over approval and framing discussions within internationally recognized legal frameworks, the U.S. can foster a constructive dialogue that resonates more deeply in African societies. Strategically engaging African leaders and populations with a clear, consistent, and respectful message is essential in promoting positive change in a challenging environment.
Original Source: www.atlanticcouncil.org
