Is Tanzania becoming the most strict country? Or it is simply country with backward practices? The Tanzanian police, according to the star, is on a hunt with the intention of arresting homosexuals by tracking them on social media.
The practice of homosexuality continues to rage on especially in African countries with rigid cultural beliefs. The battled practice has raised arguments and concern on whether to legalize it or not.
Already some countries have.. and gay supporters and those who practice, have fully embraced it and enjoy the freedom. I bet there have been cases of people who flee to other countries just to be free to be who they are.
In Kenya, the practice is illegal although a section of Kenyans take part in the practice, it limits them from coming out for the fear of being stigmatized.
Homosexuality is found throughout the African continent. Out of the 54 states recognised by the United Nations or African Union or both, the International Gay and Lesbian Association stated in 2015 that homosexuality is outlawed in 34 African countries.
Human Rights Watch notes that another two countries, Benin and the Central African Republic, do not outlaw homosexuality, but have certain laws which apply differently to heterosexual and homosexual individuals.
Homosexual activity between adults has never been criminalised in Benin, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, and Rwanda. It has been decriminalised in Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, the Seychelles, and South Africa. (wikipedia)
Although there are laws that protect homosexuals, it is unclear whether thesse rights are applicable in the countries that outlaw the practice and this raises the controversy.
TANZANIA police announce creation of a surveillance squad whose job will be to identify gay people on social media and arrest them. pic.twitter.com/XYqFDBDom9
— The Star Breaking (@TheStarBreaking) October 31, 2018
Here are some of Kenyans reactions.
This country is so backward. Instead of thinking technological innovation and advancement they thinking about citizenry sexual orientation. Very very sad
— Kiama Muturi (@KiamaKiharu) October 31, 2018
Kenya should Borrow leaf
— George amunga (@AmungaGeorge) October 31, 2018
African countries always claim that homosexuality is unafrican… Well, schools, colleges, universities, clothes, shoes, cars, airplanes, modern hospitals and surgical equipment, TVs, radios… and so many other things are very much unafrican too…
— Al Kandie (@AlbertKandie) October 31, 2018