queer somalis talk to new president

From the Huriyahmag (A queer muslim magazine)

October 22, 2004: A queer rights group called Qaniisiinta Soomaaliyeed (Queer Somalis) held talks with a newly-elected president of Somalia.

The group's Executive Director, Hadiyo "Boston" Jimcale, said the new president promised to her that under his government all Somalis would be safe, over a telephone conversation she had with the president on Wednesday.

She stated that the country's new laws (put in the books in 2000 by a worldwide recognized temporary national government in Mogadishu) call for all Somalis to be treated equal under the law, regardless of their sexualities or religious beliefs.

But in 2001, a lesbian couple in northwest Somalia was executed after the local Islamic government found out they were to be married. "We are confident this government will help us as people of sexual minority," said Jimcale. Back in July, the group had its 4th international conference in London with more than 200 participants from all over the world.