This article describes how the United States has asked African leaders to repeal anti-gay laws which they say are 'discriminatory' and a violation of human rights. It was particular interesting considering what we just learned in class and discussed on black board in regards to sex, gender and sexuality. Accordingly as reported in the article, the U.S Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said that the US laws are developed to protect human rights of the LGBT community and that we also want to encourage such laws in our foreign policies and our approach to governments in Africa. Apparently 38 out of 54 countries in Africa now criminalize homosexuality and the United States wants to make its stance now in an effort to protect the rights of the homosexual community in Africa. The U.S outright objects to the unfair treatments of gays in Africa and want countries like Nigeria and Uganda to reconsider their very barbaric laws towards the LGBTQ community.
Analysis
Beyond considering
how divided the United States is on its own in regards to same sex marriage as
well as the rates at which gays and lesbians are still being discriminated
against here, it is however good to see they care enough to quickly respond when another country seems to be going down the wrong path. Among many other nations, the U.S has spoken up to support basic human
rights of all people, particularly in this case the gay and lesbian community
in Africa. That is an important first step in addressing this issue. We may have our own problems here, but it is only humane to lend a hand
and not let nations make the same mistakes just as the United
States did historically with African Americans which contributed to the Civil War and the
American Civil Rights Movement. The article emphasizes first and foremost the
fact that discrimination of homosexuals is a global problem, if not addressed
and rectified quickly enough it will harm us economically, socially and
politically as it may eventually lead to retaliations and wars which would hinder any progress
Africa is making so far in terms of development. This issue is a matter of nature not nurture so mankind has no other option but to adapt even if we don't necessarily agree on it, as it is here to stay long after most of us leave this world.
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