Gambia: New bill will ‘ban homosexuality’ and LGBT rights groups

The government of Gambia plans to present a bill to parliament that will further toughen anti-LGBT laws by ‘banning homosexuality’ and LGBT rights organisations.

Momodou Sabally, Gambia’s Secretary General and Minister of Presidential Affairs, said the government plans to target those that promote drug abuse, homosexuality and other crimes.

Sabally said: “Gambia will not import any western culture into the country in exchange for foreign aid.”

President Yahya Jammeh, who has repeatedly likened LGBT individuals to vermin who present a threat to human existence, will likely support the bill if it is brought before parliament.

Homosexual acts have been illegal in Gambia since 1965 when the law sentenced men who engaged in consensual sex with 14 years in prison. Women were included in 2005. In recent years President Jammeh has continued to crack down on LGBT rights and threaten their lives, rights and safety in Gambia.

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