Activists leave Botswana High Court in Gaborone, June 11, 2019. VOA
Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO) spokesperson Cain Youngman said the ruling was a win for equal rights. "It basically puts us at par with the rest of the community. It was not about asking for any special rights, we were asking to be equal to other Botswana, period," Youngman said. The case removed Section 164 and 165 of Botswana's penal code, which was similar to anti-gay laws in other former British colonies.
Around Africa
Kenya's high court in May upheld its colonial-era laws against gay sex, dealing a blow to activists' hopes it would lead the expansion of gay rights in Africa. Botswana gay rights activist Katlego Kolanyane-Kesupile, who underwent gender transformation, said Tuesday's ruling was a victory for everyone.
"I am really happy that Botswana added to its record of upholding human rights provision for each and every citizen," Kolanyane-Kesupile said.