LGBTQ rights face significant challenges in Africa, where many countries have imposed restrictions on homosexuality. Only 22 out of 54 nations on the continent allow

same-sex relationships. Here are some key facts about LGBTQ rights in Africa:

- Severest Penalties: Mauritania, Somalia, and Nigeria impose the harshest penalties, including death, in states where sharia law is applied.

- Life Imprisonment: Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia have laws that punish same-sex relations with life imprisonment. Gambia, Kenya, and Malawi allow jail terms of up to 14 years.

- Kenya's High Court Ruling: In 2019, Kenya's High Court upheld a law criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual activity, claiming it helped contain the country's HIV epidemic.

- Chad's Legal Regression: In 2017, Chad criminalized same-sex acts, demonstrating a concerning trend of legal regression in the region, according to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).

- Senegal's Rejected Bill: A draft bill aimed at intensifying existing severe laws against same-sex relations in Senegal was discarded in January of last year due to the clarity of existing legislation and the severity of its penalties.

- Egypt's Discrimination: Although homosexuality is not a crime in Egypt, the LGBTQ community faces widespread discrimination. Gay men are frequently arrested and charged with debauchery, immorality, or blasphemy.

- Ivory Coast's Mixed Situation: Ivory Coast does not criminalize gay sex, but there have been instances of detention and prosecution.

- Tanzania's Restrictions: Tanzania has banned the provision of condoms and lubricants to LGBTQ health clinics and has increased the use of forced anal examinations since 2018.

- Tunisia's Rising Sodomy Convictions: Tunisia has reportedly seen an increase in sodomy convictions.

- Limited Protections: Only three countries—Angola, Mauritius, and South Africa—offer broad protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Employment protection is extended to Botswana, Cape Verde, Mozambique, and Seychelles as well.

- South Africa's Progress: South Africa is the sole African country where gay marriage is legal. In 2018, the cabinet approved a bill criminalizing hate crimes and hate speech. However, homophobic crimes remain prevalent in the country.

- Positive Developments: Botswana decriminalized homosexuality in 2019, and Gabon followed suit in 2020, signaling positive steps towards LGBTQ rights.

The struggle for LGBTQ rights in Africa continues, with significant variations in legal frameworks and societal acceptance across the continent. Photo by Benson Kua, Wikimedia commons.