What's life like for LGBTQ people in Gabon?
Let's take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Gabon? Let's take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
Is homosexuality legal in Gabon?
Yes.
It's a bit of a confusing picture but homosexuality was first criminalised in 2019 and was then decriminalised in 2020.
A new constitution was recently adopted by Gabon. There was significant debate about whether the constitution should decriminalise homosexuality but ultimately that was not included and homosexuality remains legal.
Are there protections against discrimination for LGBTQ people in Gabon?
No. There are no protections.
Is there Marriage Equality in Gabon?
No. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships.
The recently adopted constitution limits marriage to being between a man and a woman.
What’s life like for LGBT people in Gabon?
Gabon is a socially conservative country. Homosexuality is seen as a taboo topic.
What's the history of homosexuality in Gabon?
Amongst Bantu-speaking Pouhain farmers (Bene, Bulu, Fang, Jaunde, Mokuk, Mwele, Ntum and Pangwe) - which held territory in present-day Gabon - homosexual intercourse was known as bian nkû”ma. This was seen as a medicine for wealth which was transmitted through sexual activity between men.
Gareth Johnson