LGBT rights in Zimbabwe

LGBTQ rights in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
StatusMale illegal since 1891 (as Rhodesia)[1][2]
Female illegal since 2006[3]
PenaltyUp to 14 years imprisonment with fines[4]
Gender identityNo
MilitaryNo
Discrimination protectionsNone
Family rights
Recognition of relationshipsNo recognition of same-sex unions
RestrictionsSame-sex marriage constitutionally banned since 2013
AdoptionNo

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Zimbabwe face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Since 1995, the Government of Zimbabwe has carried out campaigns against LGBT rights. Sodomy is classified as unlawful sexual conduct and defined in the Criminal Code as either anal sexual intercourse or any "indecent act" between consenting adults. Since 1995, the government has carried out campaigns against both homosexual men and women.[2]

Zimbabwe stands in sharp contrast with neighbouring South Africa, as well as Mozambique, which have recently enacted LGBT protections. Same-sex marriage is banned by the Zimbabwe Constitution, and LGBT people enjoy no legal protections from discrimination, violence and harassment. Members of the LGBT community are heavily marginalised in both the legal and social spheres. As a result, many choose to remain in the closet, commit suicide, or emigrate, with a popular destination being South Africa due to their gay-friendly laws. However, since Robert Mugabe's forced removal from the presidency in November 2017, LGBT activists have expressed hopes that their human rights will be respected.

According to a 2018 survey, 50% of gay men in Zimbabwe had been physically assaulted and 64% had been disowned by their families. 27% of lesbians also reported disownment.[5]

Homosexuality, same-sex relations and cross-dressing used to be accepted and commonplace in Zimbabwe prior to colonisation and post-independence anti-White government policies, which in turn has spread the erroneous belief that homosexuality is un-African or a Western phenomenon brought to the country. Homosexual activity has been documented among the San people, the Khoikhoi people, the Ndebele people and the Shona people.[6]

  1. ^ Nyathi, Nqobani. "Decriminalisation of Consensual Same-Sex Sexual Conduct in Zimbabwe" (PDF). Retrieved 18 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b "State Sponsored Homophobia 2016: A world survey of sexual orientation laws: criminalisation, protection and recognition" (PDF). International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. 17 May 2016.
  3. ^ "The Backlot - Corner of Hollywood and Gay - NewNowNext". LOGO News. Archived from the original on 14 June 2008. Retrieved 23 March 2007.
  4. ^ "Is There Space For The LGBTQI Community In Zimbabwe?". 21 March 2023.
  5. ^ Zimbabwe | 50% of gay men assaulted and 64% disowned, Mambaonline, 27 July 2018
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference socialwork was invoked but never defined (see the help page).