Groups Oppose New Anti Gay Laws In Gambia

The groups are opposed to the new laws some of which are proposing life sentences for aggravated homosexuality

Homosexuality is illegal in Gambia but MPs passed a bill on the 25th August that seeks to introduce stiffer penalties

The rights groups claimed that the bill promoted what it called state-sponsored homophobia.

President Jammeh is known for his strong opposition to gay rights.

He has called gay people "vermin" and once threatened to behead them.

Last month, Uganda’s Constitutional Court rejected a similar law on the grounds that it was passed by MPs without a quorum.

The ruling followed an outcry from rights groups and Western governments with US President Barack Obama describing the legislation as odious.

By Bonareri Nyamoita

Source: BBC News Africa