Burkina Faso’s military junta has announced a ban on homosexual acts, making it the latest African state to crack down on same-sex relations despite strong opposition from Western powers.
Recall that Burkina Faso was among 22 out of 54 African states where same-sex relations were not criminalised.
Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala said the junta’s cabinet had now approved legislation to make it a punishable offence, but he did not give further details.
Homosexuality was frowned upon in the socially conservative West African state, but it was never outlawed.
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Burkina Faso’s decision to outlaw homosexual relations is part of an overhaul of its marriage laws.
The new legislation, which still needs to be passed by the military-controlled parliament and signed off by junta leader Ibrahim Traoré, only recognises religious and customary marriages.
“Henceforth homosexuality and associated practices will be punished by the law,” the justice minister was quoted by AFP news agency as saying.
AFP
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