Faith Nyasuguta
Mali has enacted a harsh new law that criminalizes same-sex relationships with penalties of up to seven years in prison and fines of 500,000 CFA francs. The legislation also bans any form of LGBTQ+ advocacy, marking a major shift in the country’s legal stance and fueling concern from human rights organizations.
Previously, same-sex relations were not explicitly outlawed in Mali, though vague public morality laws were used to target LGBTQ+ individuals. Now, the new penal code introduces specific provisions that punish not only consensual same-sex acts but also any promotion or support of LGBTQ+ rights.
Human Rights Watch has warned that the law will “intensify risks of stigma, discrimination, and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people throughout the country.” Activists say the vague wording around the “promotion” of homosexuality could be used to silence journalists, healthcare workers, and community groups who work with LGBTQ+ populations.
The new law reflects deep-rooted societal attitudes in Mali. According to a 2007 Pew survey, 98% of adults in the country said homosexuality should not be accepted, one of the highest rejection rates globally. This cultural backdrop has emboldened lawmakers who argue that the law protects Mali’s traditional values.
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups now fear a surge in persecution. With same-sex activity criminalized and advocacy banned, many LGBTQ+ Malians may be forced into hiding. Healthcare providers have raised alarms as well, particularly those offering services to men who have sex with men. Organizations like ARCAD-SIDA, which work on HIV/AIDS prevention, warn that the new law will push vulnerable communities away from life-saving care.
Mali now joins a list of 65 countries worldwide that criminalize same-sex relations. It follows in the footsteps of other West African nations like Mauritania and Senegal, where harsh penalties for LGBTQ+ people already exist.
The international response has been swift. Global rights groups and foreign governments have condemned the law, urging Mali’s authorities to respect human rights and reconsider the legislation. They argue the law violates international treaties that Mali has ratified, including those protecting freedom of expression and non-discrimination.
Within Mali, however, there has been little public debate or opposition. The law passed through the Transitional National Council without significant resistance, and the country’s military-led government has yet to respond to international criticism.
As the new law takes effect, its real impact is just beginning to unfold. LGBTQ+ individuals now face the risk of arrest, public humiliation, and violence. Advocacy groups are reassessing their operations, while public health workers fear major setbacks in HIV prevention.
Mali’s new anti-LGBTQ+ law represents not just a legal crackdown, but a symbolic blow to a community already struggling for visibility and safety. The future of LGBTQ+ rights in Mali now hangs in the balance as global outrage meets deeply entrenched domestic resistance.
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