Tiny African kingdom of eSwatini holds first gay pride parade, but some still fear persecution
Male homosexuality is outlawed in Africa’s last absolute monarchy, ruled by King Mswati III who has reportedly described homosexuality as ‘satanic’
Hundreds of protesters have attended eSwatini’s first gay pride march, calling for equality and rights in a country where homosexuality is outlawed by the absolute monarchy.
“We are thrilled to see this happening today,” US Ambassador to eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland, Lisa Peterson said.
About 500 people turned up Saturday for the historic march in Mbabane, the country’s largest city, draped in the rainbow flag, international symbol of the LGBTIQ community, and wearing T-shirts printed with the message “God is love”.
“Just to refer you to the words spoken by Martin Luther King Jnr that ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’. Some are afraid to come into the open because they are afraid of these acts of injustice. We are here to make justice for all.” Peterson added.
Male homosexuality is outlawed in Africa’s last absolute monarchy, ruled by King Mswati III who has reportedly described homosexuality as “satanic”.
The landlocked country, which is one of the most aid dependent on the continent, has anti-sodomy laws with the government having questioned in the past whether LGBTIQ people even existed in the country.