The LGBTQ struggle in Africa

Mauritius scraps law banning same-sex sex  

The Supreme Court of Mauritius overturns a previous ban on same-sex sex, the BBC reports.  

The court believes that the ban, which was introduced at the end of the 19th century when the East African country was a British colony, reflects the colonial era and not the country's own values.  

Homosexuality is criminalized in 64 countries in the world, half of which are in Africa.  

Illustration image. Lindsey Wasson/AP  

Jubilation among LGBTQ groups: But there is more to do  

That the Supreme Court of Mauritius lifted the previous ban on same-sex sex is welcomed by LGBTQ groups in the country, writes Reuters.  

Jean-Daniel Wong, who represents the country's largest group that fights for the rights of LGBTQ people, describes it as a great relief. 

- There is still much to do, but we feel confident in our public institutions. 

The announcement from Mauritius comes after other African countries recently introduced tough laws against LGBTQ people. Uganda introduced a law this spring which means that "homosexual acts" can result in life imprisonment. 

Mauritius map