Panel 121: State Action against Alternative Sexualities: Recent Struggles over Same-Sex Practices and Identities.

During the last decade there has been a sudden intensification of State actions against gay and lesbians throughout Africa: the authorities, often encouraged by popular outrage and religious leaders (amongst whom expatriate missionaries) stepped up persecution by police and judicial authorities, leading to severe sentences of emprisonment (in some cases even the threat of capital punishment). Of course African governments, building on legislation from the colonial period, were always suspicious of alternative sexualities. Yet, recently, especially gay/lesbian practices and identities have become major issues - also in public debate in general.
In this panel we want to pay attention to the impact of global developments, like the recent emphasis on gay rights by international Human Rights committees, and the spread of notions of a global gay/lesbian identity through internet. But our focus will be especially on the effects of increased persecution for people on the spot.

This panel is sponsored by the International African Institute (IAI), United Kingdom.