Gambia: Professor calls for LGBT rights in new constitution

In a testimony before the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission on Tuesday, Prof Abdoulie Saine called for measures to protect LGBT individuals in The Gambia’s future constitution. 

The US-based Gambian author spoke of the discrimination faced by LGBT Gambians under the Jammeh government, which was deposed in 2017. He said the issue was not only pertinent to The Gambia but other West African countries as well. 

Prof Saine concluded to the commission “I think at some point, in The Gambia, we need to consider what kinds of protection gays enjoy. I know it is very controversial but I think the future constitution ought to at least propose some remedy for discrimination against gays and lesbians”. 

During his 22 year rule, President Jammeh was accused of gross human rights violations, particularly against LGBT individuals. In May 2008, he vowed to ‘cut off the head’ of any homosexual caught in the country and later that year gave homosexuals 24 hours to leave the country. 

Homosexual acts are still illegal in The Gambia. 

Photo credit: Reuters | Thomas Mukoya