LGBT rights in Rwanda
| LGBT rights in Rwanda | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Same-sex sexual activity legal? | Legal since 1916 (as Ruanda-Urundi) |
| Gender identity/expression | Unknown |
| Military service | Unknown if gays and lesbians are allowed to serve openly |
| Discrimination protections | None |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships |
No recognition of same-sex relationships |
| Adoption | Unknown if gays and lesbians are allowed to adopt |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people living in Rwanda face discrimination not faced by non-LGBT people. While neither homosexuality nor homosexual acts are illegal, homosexuality is considered a taboo topic, and there is no significant public discussion of this issue in any region of the country. No special legislative protections are afforded to LGBT citizens, and same-sex marriages are not recognized by the state, as the Constitution of Rwanda provides that "[o]nly civil monogamous marriage between a man and a woman is recognized". LGBT Rwandans, however, have reported being harassed, blackmailed, and even arrested by the police under various laws dealing with public order and morality.
On 16 December 2009, the national parliament debated whether to make homosexuality a criminal offense, with a punishment of 5–10 years' imprisonment. This legislation was similar to the controversial anti-homosexuality bill in the neighboring country of Uganda. Justice Minister Tharcisse Karugarama, however, condemned and refuted reports that the government intended to criminalize homosexual acts, saying that sexual orientation is a private matter, not a state business.
As of 2010, no legislation exists to address discrimination or harassment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Under Rwandan electoral laws, most of the political parties are aligned with, if not an extension of, the ruling party. The two Rwandan political parties that are not a part of the ruling coalition, the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party, have not taken an official position on LGBT rights. The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda has been attempting to become registered with the government, although it has not taken any formal position on LGBT rights.
Since 2005, the Horizons Community Association of Rwanda has been doing some public advocacy on behalf of LGBT rights, although its members have often been harassed by the government.
...
Wikipedia