BOTSWANA: ‘Court rulings matter, but it’s sustained civic action that turns them into real protection’
Botswana has officially decriminalized same-sex relations, aligning its legal code with constitutional rulings from 2019 and 2021. Activists emphasize that while this is a major legal victory, sustained civic action is still required to change social attitudes.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in human rights legislation in Africa, setting a precedent for LGBTQI+ protections on the continent.
CIVICUS discusses Botswana’s decriminalisation of same-sex relations with Faith Gunda, a Botswana-based law student and human rights defender, a member of the CIVICUS Protest Lab and co-founder of Sisterhood Chain International, a solidarity initiative that supports grassroots groups and amplifies young women’s voices.
The article focuses on human rights advocacy and social justice progress, which aligns with progressive viewpoints.
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