LGBT rights in Lesotho
LGBT rights in Lesotho | ||
---|---|---|
Adoption | No |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Lesotho face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Lesotho does not recognise same-sex marriages or civil unions, nor does it ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
LGBT people face societal rejection and discrimination in Lesotho. Nevertheless, attitudes towards members of the LGBT community are slowly evolving and becoming more tolerant and accepting, in line with worldwide trends. In 2012, Lesotho legalised homosexuality, and on 18 May 2013, the first gay pride march took place in the country.[3][4]
History
Homosexuality and same-sex relations have been documented in Lesotho for centuries. The
In 1914, colonial officials tried to stop these practices, but to no avail. By 1941, boukonchana relationships, public cross-dressing and same-sex marriage ceremonies were commonplace in Lesotho and the Basotho community in South Africa. In recent years, however, officials have tried to suppress and censor discussions on this topic. Nowadays, there is widespread denial that these practices ever occurred, and Basotho men possess a strong "macho" reputation where heterosexual promiscuity is widely celebrated.[6]
Laws regarding same-sex sexual acts
In 2012, male same-sex activity was legalized in Lesotho.[1][2]
Male same-sex activity had previously been illegal in Lesotho as a common law offence,[7] but had not been enforced.[8] Female same-sex sexual activity has never been outlawed.[7]
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Under the Marriage Act No. 10 of 1974 and customary law of Lesotho, marriage is only permitted for opposite-sex couples.[7]
Discrimination protections
There is no specific protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.[7]
Adoption and parenting
The Child Welfare and Protection Act of 2011 governs adoptions in Lesotho. Under the act, only married couples may adopt a child jointly. Single men and same-sex couples are not permitted to adopt.[9]
Gender identity and expression
The National Identity Cards Act 9 of 2011 outlines regulations for national identity cards in Lesotho. Section 8(1) states: "The Director shall take reasonable practicable steps to ensure that personal information entered into the Register is complete, accurate and updated where necessary". This section could be interpreted as allowing transgender people to change their legal gender on their identity documents.[10]
Living conditions
Societal discrimination
Similarly to other Southern African countries, reports of discrimination, family rejection, violence and harassment against LGBT people are not uncommon.[11]
LGBT
Activism
On 18 May 2013, the first gay pride march took place in the country. It was held in the city centre of Maseru and was organised by the Matrix Support Group.[3][4] According to the organisers, the event was very successful, with the authorities being supportive and providing an escort for the participants.[13]
The Matrix Support Group is an LGBT
Pride marches and events have been held annually since then, attracting a few hundred people.[11]
2016 United States Department of State report
The
Acts of Violence, Discrimination, and Other Abuses Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The law prohibited consensual sexual relations between men, but authorities did not enforce it. The law is silent on consensual sex between women. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons faced societal discrimination and official insensitivity to this discrimination. LGBTI rights groups complained of discrimination in access to health care and participation in religious activities.
The law prohibits discrimination attributable to sex; it does not explicitly forbid discrimination against LGBTI. Matrix, an LGBTI advocacy and support group, had no reports of employment discrimination from its members. Same-sex sexual relationships were taboo in society and not openly discussed. While there were no assaults reported, LGBTI persons often did not report incidents of violence due to fear of stigma.
Matrix operated freely and had members in all 10 districts. It reported having a good working relationship with the LMPS. For instance, in December 2015 the brothers of a woman who identified herself as a lesbian forced her out of her home when they discovered her sexual identity. She took the matter to police, who intervened, and the brothers allowed her to return home.
Matrix engaged in public outreach through film screenings, radio programs, public gatherings, and social media. On 21 May, Matrix organized the third
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobiamarch. Approximately 200 individuals, mainly family and friends of LGBTI persons, marched peacefully and without incident from Lakeside (city outskirts) to Central Park in Maseru. Matrix representatives noted police officers escorting the march were generally supportive, which they attributed to Matrix's previous outreach efforts to the LMPS. Matrix for several months also had an electronic billboard advertisement in central Maseru supporting LGBTI rights.Addressing the media in June following the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, Deputy Prime Minister Mothetjoa Metsing said the government would look into decriminalizing same-sex relationships to stop the spread of HIV. This was the first pronouncement made by a high-level government official on the issue. However, an opposition movement led by vigilante Gomery Thompson responded with a series of violent riots.
Summary table
Same-sex sexual activity legal | (Since 2012) |
Equal age of consent (18) | (Since 2012) |
Anti-discrimination laws in employment only | |
Anti-discrimination laws in the provision of goods and services | |
Anti-discrimination laws in all other areas (Incl. indirect discrimination, hate speech) | |
Same-sex marriages | |
Recognition of same-sex couples | |
Stepchild adoption by same-sex couples | |
Joint adoption by same-sex couples | |
LGBT people allowed to serve openly in the military | |
Right to change legal gender | (May possibly change gender under the National Identity Cards Act 9 of 2011) |
Access to IVF for lesbians | |
Commercial surrogacy for gay male couples | |
MSMs allowed to donate blood |
See also
References
- ^ a b "State Sponsored Homophobia 2016: A world survey of sexual orientation laws: criminalisation, protection and recognition" (PDF).
- ^ a b "Penal Code Act, 2010". Archived from the original on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
- ^ a b "Lesotho IDAHO Report 2013". 17 June 2013.
- ^ a b "Small march is a big step for LGBTI in Lesotho". Archived from the original on 20 May 2016. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ "Boy-Wives and Female Husbands". www.willsworld.org.
- ^ WALKER, Liz and REID, Graeme, Men Behaving Differently. Juta and Company Ltd, 2005
- ^ a b c d ""Human Rights Violations in Lesotho", excerpt written by Motebo Ntabe, graduate of legal studies at the National University of Lesotho, submitted by the Matrix Support Group for the 2010 Universal Periodic Review of Lesotho, reprinted on the website of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
- ^ "LESOTHO 2012 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 February 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
- ^ ""Intercountry adoption: Lesotho", Bureau of Consular Affairs, United States Department of State, December 2011". Archived from the original on 15 February 2013.
- ^ "Transgender Rights in Lesotho" (PDF).
- ^ a b "Lesotho: Celebrating LGBT pride in a homophobic nation". Erasing 76 Crimes. 31 May 2016.
- ^ "Gay Life in Lesotho". www.globalgayz.com.
- ^ SMALL MARCH A BIG STEP FOR LGBTI IN LESOTHO, Mambaonline, 3 June 2013
- ^ MATRIX SUPPORT GROUP
- ^ "LESOTHO 2016 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT" (PDF).