John Campbell

Africa in Transition

Campbell tracks political and security developments across sub-Saharan Africa.

Posts by Category

Showing posts for "Gay Rights"

Anglicans in Zimbabwe Regain Cathedral and Other Properties

by John Campbell
File photo of Zimbabwe Anglican Bishop Kunonga. 26/10/2003. (Howard Burditt/Courtesy Reuters) File photo of Zimbabwe Anglican Bishop Kunonga. 26/10/2003. (Howard Burditt/Courtesy Reuters)

For the past five years, Robert Mugabe’s government has, in effect, persecuted the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe.  As I blogged previously in 2011, the ex-bishop of Harare, Nolbert Kunonga, a long-time Mugabe supporter, sought to take his diocese out of the Anglican Communion, ostensibly because of Anglican Communion support for gay rights.  The church thereupon deposed him and chose a new bishop, Chad Gandiya. But, Mugabe continued to support Kunonga and a pro-Mugabe judge gave him “custody” of church property pending a high court ruling. Kunonga also ended up with a confiscated, previously white-owned, farm. Pro-government goons over the past five years have, in effect, overseen the transfer of the cathedral in Harare, Anglican schools, orphanages, and parish churches to Kunonga and his supporters. The archbishop of Canterbury protested directly to Mugabe last year. Read more »

Mugabe Fights the Proposed Zimbabwe Constitution With Homophobia

by John Campbell
Police escort a group of 46 arrested Zimbabwean activists into a Magistrates Court in Harare 24/02/2011. (Philimon Bulawayo/Courtesy Reuters) Police escort a group of 46 arrested Zimbabwean activists into a Magistrates Court in Harare 24/02/2011. (Philimon Bulawayo/Courtesy Reuters)

Human rights organizations are charging the Zimbabwe police with accelerating harassment of the gay community as the country approaches the election season.  Robert Mugabe is opposed to provisions in the draft constitution that would dilute presidential authority, and is angling to create popular support against the draft before it is submitted to a voters referendum.  Though the current draft makes no reference to gay rights or gay marriage, Mugabe and his supporters may be using that silence on both issues to rally opposition to it by association. Earlier in the year, Mugabe tied the new constitution to gay rights by saying that there were efforts to insert a same-sex marriage clause in the draft. He is quoted as saying, “we won’t accept that.” Read more »

Gay Rights in Africa

by John Campbell
Members of Uganda's gay community lead a choir during a memorial service for David Kato, a slain prominent gay rights activist, on his first death anniversary in Kampala January 26, 2012. (Edward Echwalu/Courtesy Reuters) Members of Uganda's gay community lead a choir during a memorial service for David Kato, a slain prominent gay rights activist, on his first death anniversary in Kampala January 26, 2012. (Edward Echwalu/Courtesy Reuters)

Unfortunately, much of sub-Saharan Africa is homophobic. Recent legislation, some proposed, some passed, condemns gay marriage and sometimes outlaws gay sexual activity. Nigeria, Uganda, and Liberia all have such legislation pending or passed, often with the provision of draconian penalties. Such legislation appears to be very popular. Read more »