Be Careful Where you Travel
Three men convicted of homosexuality — a crime in Cameroon — were sentenced to six months' hard labor, their lawyer said Wednesday.
Lazare Baeeg, Emmanuel Balep and Tony Dikongue were arrested last August and have already spent nearly six months in detention in the port city of Douala, lawyer Alice Nkom said.
In Cameroon and several other African nations, homosexuality is a crime. Convictions carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a fine of up to $450. (source)
I can't even imagine being imprisoned for being gay. Anyway, one less place that I don't need to visit. We are planning a visit to Africa in the future, but that will be around Cape Town. I suppose I should check before I leave to see if being ... me ... is a crime there.
2 Comments
Leave a comment
I did hear that about South Africa. I think it's mostly when you go north that you run into trouble.
I've never been to Spain. I would love to go there sometime. It sounds wonderful.
You can actually get married in South Africa. It has, quite remarkably, a very liberal attitude on this matter with its post-apartheid constitution, unlike most of the rest of Africa. Whatever I may think of most religions, in Bishop Desmond Tutu, and its first post-apartheid President, the sainted Nelson Mandela, South Africans have a lot to be thankful for. I've not been yet, but I understand there is quite a bit of crime, but friends tell me that with reasonable care you should have a great time. Spain, where I now spend much of my time, has a similarly liberal attitude, I'm glad to say.