African Coalition urges pause on further criminalisation laws

 A coalition of 25 African and Diaspora faith leaders, academics, and civic thinkers, has called on African governments to suspend moves to introduce further criminal legislation concerning sexual orientation and gender identity, urging greater public dialogue on the issue.

 The group made the call recently during the virtual launch of the African Democratic Covenant, a coalition advocating what it described as an “African-led approach to democracy, constitutionalism, human dignity and social justice.”

The Covenant urged African presidents to place a moratorium on proposed legislation that would impose additional criminal penalties, arguing that governments should, instead, provide room for public education, constitutional dialogue and broader consultation.

 Speaking at the virtual event, the Lead Executive of Interconnected Justice, Bishop W. Tolton, said the initiative was not an attempt by Africans in the Diaspora to “help” the continent, but a call for Africans at home and abroad to work together in shaping Africa’s future.

 In his remarks, Rev. Canon Mpho Tutu van Furth called for the inclusion and protection of all members of African communities, urging a renewed examination of African history and traditional understandings of gender and social diversity.

Prof. Sylvia Tamale questioned the argument that legislation supported by a majority is necessarily just, citing historical examples of apartheid and segregation.

She called for greater attention to indigenous African histories, political and economic factors influencing contemporary debates on gender and sexuality.

 Emeritus Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo urged journalists to avoid sensational reporting on the issue and, instead, examine the political arguments and implications of proposed legislation.

 The Coalition said its broader African Reconstruction agenda would focus on economic sovereignty, spiritual self-determination, constitutional pluralism and human dignity.

 It also announced plans for a Desmond Tutu Conference, described as a “Black Global Freedom Gathering,” where African and Diaspora leaders were expected to discuss democracy, economic inequality, resource extraction and social justice.

 The organisers said the broader campaign was aimed at encouraging debate on whether African democratic development and national sovereignty could advance while laws exclude or criminalise particular groups.