Botswana’s government has given notice it will appeal a high court ruling that decriminalised homosexuality.
Last month Botswana’s High Court ruled decriminalizing gay sex. It said the laws criminalizing gay sex were unconstitutional.
Sections of Botswana’s penal code criminalize same-sex relations and impose up to seven years in prison.
The high court in a unanimous decision ruled that the laws were unconstitutional.
On Friday Botswana’s Attorney General Abraham Keetshabe said in a statement that the high court was mistaken in its conclusion.
It disagreed with the decision to overturn the colonial-era law, a move that could renew punishment for engaging in homosexual relationships.
“I am of the view that the High Court erred in arriving at this conclusion and thus, I have decided to note an appeal with the Court of Appeal,” Keetshabe said.
Botswana’s President, Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi recently said that “There are also many people of same-sex relationships in this country who have been violated and have also suffered in silence for fear of being discriminated. Just like other citizens, they deserve to have their rights protected.”
A student filed the case in court that led to last month’s ruling. The student argued that society had changed and homosexuality must be accepted openly.
In Many African countries, people suspected to be gays are attacked and discriminated against.
Laws in many African countries criminalize same sex and make it unfriendly for them to practice openly.
But countries like Angola, Mozambique and the Seychelles have all recently scrapped their anti-homosexuality laws.
South Africa is the only African nation to have legalised gay marriage.
Source: Africafeeds.com
