Burkina Faso’s military junta bans homosexual relations

Burkina Faso’s military junta has issued a ban on homosexual acts, making it the latest African country to restrict same-sex relationships despite significant resistance from Western powers.

Homosexuality was frowned upon in the socially conservative West African country, although it was never criminalised.

Justice Minister, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala stated that the junta’s cabinet has now authorised legislation to make it a penal offense, but did not provide any other information.

The military seized power in Burkina Faso in 2022, and has pivoted towards Russia after drastically reducing ties with former colonial power, France.

Homosexual acts were decriminalised in Russia in 1993, but President Vladimir Putin’s government has been cracking down on the LGBTQ community, including banning what it calls “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations”.

Burkina Faso’s decision to ban homosexual relations is part of an overhaul of its marriage laws.

The new legislation, which still needs to be passed by the military-controlled parliament and signed off by junta leader Ibrahim Traoré, only recognises religious and customary marriages.

Burkina Faso was among 22 out of 54 African states where same-sex relations were not criminalised.

Unlike in many former British colonies, it did not inherit anti-homosexuality laws after independence from France in 1960.

Muslims make up around 64% of Burkina Faso’s population and Christians 26%. The remaining 10% of people follow traditional religions or have no faith.

Many African states have been taking a tougher stand against the LGBTQ community in recent years.

Uganda is among those that have adopted legislation recently to further crack down on the community, despite strong condemnation from local rights groups and Western powers.