about mozambique
official name: Republic of Mozambique capital: Maputo head of state: President Armando Guebuza prime minister: Luisa Diogo (2004) state: multi party democracy population: 19,406,703 independence: from Portugal in 1975 languages: Portuguese (official) religion: indigenous beliefs 50%, Christian 30%, Muslim 20% currency: metical (MZM) media: NA
legal wise
status of homosexuality: illegal age of consent: NA
laws covering homosexual activity: Sections 70 and 71of the Penal Code criminalize male homosexuality with a penalty of up to 3 years' imprisonment in a "re-education institution" where hard labour is used to alter the prisoners "aberrant behaviour".
background information and government attitudes: Mozambique's constitution and legal framework establish safeguards for all citizens' civil rights and liberties, but the treatment of individuals who are arrested or detained remains a concern. In addition, prison conditions are substandard, and trafficking of children and women has increased.
From Freedom House's Countries at the Crossroads: 2005 A Survey of Democratic Governance www.freedomhouse.org/research/crossroads/2005/mozambique2005.pdf
communication
main lines in use: 90,000 (Dec. 2001) cellular telephones: 287,000 (2002). Radio broadcast stations: AM 13, FM 17, shortwave 11 (2001). Radios: 730,000 (1997). Television broadcast stations: 1 (2001). Televisions: 67,600 (2000). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 11 (2002). Internet users: 22,500 (2000).
links and contacts NA
Articles:
gay rights raised in mozambican paper
by Mask Admin 11/7/2006
MOZAMBIQUE � July 10, 2006: For the first time, a mainstream Mozambican paper has published an article by a prominent Mozambican journalist arguing in favour of gay rights.
religious leaders on aids and gays
by Mask Admin 31/5/2004
May 31, 2004: The Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique in Maputo reported recently on the homophobic ranting of an Islamic cleric that formed part of a debate on Aids. Clearly disapproving of the cleric's views, the report also takes a side swipe at some Christian leaders too.
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