IN a move that continues a concerning trend across the African continent, Burkina Faso is poised to become the 32nd out of 54 African countries to ban homosexuality. The military junta currently ruling the West African nation following a coup, has adopted a draft amendment to the country’s family code that would criminalize same-sex relations.
Interim Justice Minister Edasso Rodrique Bayala announced in a statement: “From now on, homosexuality and related practices are prohibited and punishable by law.” This development marks a significant shift for Burkina Faso, which has been one of the few African nations where same-sex relationships were not criminalized.
The draft law still needs to pass a parliamentary vote and be promulgated by interim military leader Ibrahim Traore to come into effect. However, given the junta’s control over the country since two successive coups in 2022, the law is likely to be enacted.
This proposed legislation aligns Burkina Faso with a growing number of African countries tightening restrictions on LGBTQ rights. In the past 14 months alone, Uganda enacted one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ laws, while Ghana’s parliament passed legislation intensifying the repression of LGBTQ individuals.
The move also reflects Burkina Faso’s shifting alliances. As part of a confederation with military-ruled Mali and Niger, the country has been distancing itself from traditional Western allies, who typically advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Human rights organisations have expressed concern over this trend, noting that in some African countries, homosexuality is punishable by death or lengthy prison terms. This proposed ban in Burkina Faso represents another setback for LGBTQ rights on a continent where only 22 countries will continue to allow same-sex relations if this law passes.
