POPE URGED TO SPEAK OUT ON GAY RIGHTS

By Mongezi Mhlongo (BTM Reporter)

CAMEROON – 24 March 2009: During his first visit in Cameroon, Pope Benedict XVI, was advised by Amnesty International to condemn laws criminalizing homosexuality, presently rocking that country.

Tawanda Hondora, Director of Amnesty International’s Africa Programme said “the Pope should take the important opportunity of this visit to Cameroon to make clear that the Holy See [Episcopal jurisdiction of the Pope] abhors any attacks or persecution of people based on their sexual orientation and call on the government to decriminalize homosexuality.”

In his arrival on Tuesday, 17 March, the Pope met with Cameroonian President Paul Biya who has been in power since 1982 at Nsimalen International Airport of Yaoundé.

Despite several alleged human rights violations in that country, the Pope lauded Cameroon, saying it is “truly a land of hope for many, in Central Africa.”

In what baffles many people, the Catholic Church, while maintaining its opposing stance on gay marriage, it continues to teach that homosexuality is not sinful but homosexual acts are.

Meanwhile, some human rights violations against LGBTI people in Cameroun include the expulsion of 12 young women from a college in Doula for their alleged same sex sexual relations in 2006.

Also, in August 2007 two men were arrested in Yaoundé following accusations of engaging in same sex relations.

While in custody, the men were subjected to anal examinations in an attempt to establish if they had engaged in sexual acts.

According to Dr Steave Nemande, President of Alternatives Cameroun, a Cameroonian human rights organisation working towards ending discrimination and abuses against homosexuals, the levels of homophobia in that country instill fear amongst this group.  

Nemande told Irin News that in Cameroon “Social homophobia is legitimised and it increases fear amongst MSM who take further risk to live their sexual life in secret.”

Homosexual conduct is criminalized in Cameroon under the countries Penal Code, and carries a maximum sentence of up to five years imprisonment.

Under the Penal Code “Any person who has sexual relations with a person of the same sex shall be punished with six months to five years imprisonment and a fine of between CFA 20 000 and CFA 200 000.”