Angola decriminalises same-sex relationships

Same-sex relationships were made legal in Angola last Thursday. Previous to its decriminalisation, same-sex relationships were viewed as a “vice against nature” in Angolan courts. Angola used to be a colony of Portugal before gaining independence in 1975 and Portuguese laws served as a basis while writing the constitution of independent Angola. The laws regarding homosexuality were exploited by companies and organisations to discriminate against members of the queer community. Since Thursday however, discrimination on the basis of sexuality can lead up to 2 years in prison. Advocacy groups like Iris Angola had been advocating for inclusive laws since 2018 and celebrated their victory last week.

There have been multiple instances of violence directed at the LGBTQ+ community in Angola. In 2019, peaceful protesters were called “terrorists” after protesting against police violence against the queer community. The law passed on Thursday protects the queer community to a great extent against discrimination and the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships is truly a step in the right direction.