LGBT in Africa: Court in Gambia acquits 20 homosexual suspects

Aboucarr Ceesay

Banjul, Gambian court on Thursday acquitted 20 people charged with engaging in unnatural acts contrary to Gambian law and conspiracy to commit a felony.

The case that dragged on for three months came to an end following the decision by the country’s Director of Public Prosecution’s move to request the court to drop the charges.

Although no reasons for dropping the case were given, the country’s president Yahya Jammeh was in April put under international spotlight over his comments against gays and lesbians.

President Jammeh is a fur critic of homosexuals and has in the past advocated harsh measures against them.

Maintaining his stance, President Jammeh said he is condemning homosexuality based on Islam and African cultural norms and values.

“Let me make it very clear that, if anyone wants me to offend God for the sake of aid, you are making a great mistake, you will not bribe me to do what is evil and ungodly,” he said.

He said Gambia is a Muslim dominated country and he shall never accept such individuals in the country.

Making reference to the Qur’an, Jammeh said it has been sanctioned that marriage is between a man and a woman.

According to Jammeh homosexuality will never be accepted in Gambia and that he shall deal with such people to bring the practice to an end.

In 2008, Jammeh ordered homosexuals to leave Gambia as hotel owners were told not to rent rooms to homosexuals a move that attracted hash responses from gay and lesbian activists.

Source: The Citizen (05/08/2012): http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/sunday-citizen/39-young-citizen/24627-court-acquits-20-homosexual-suspects