ABSTRACT
Homosexuality, same-sex relationships and gay or LGBTI1 rights have recently become subject to public and political controversy in many African societies. Examples are the introduction of, and heated debates over, new legislation against homosexuality in countries like Uganda and Nigeria. Also illustrative are the recent arrests and prosecution of people in same-sex relationships in various countries including Malawi, Zambia and Cameroon, and the recent murder of LGBTI activists in countries like Uganda and Cameroon. Yet another illustration is presented by African political leaders such as President Mugabe of Zimbabwe, who frequently express their strong aversion to homosexuality and rejection of LGBTI rights. In the international media and among Western publics, these controversies have given rise to a stereotypical image of a homophobic Africa, though in fact they also reveal internal debate and disagreements among Africans on the subject.2
