Ethiopia set to introduce harsher anti-gay laws?

Ethiopian lawmakers reportedly want to introduce harsher laws against homosexuality.

The proposed new laws would make homosexuality a non-pardonable offence. Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers endorsed the bill last week, and the law could come into effect as early as next week, according to LGBTQ Nation.

The law would withdraw Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome’s power to pardon certain crimes, and would mean that the country treats the LGBT community in the same way they would treat terrorists, rapists and murderers.

Homosexuality is currently illegal in the African country, and is punishable with up to 15 years in prison. Those that criticise the law can be held in prison for up to 20 years, under the country’s anti-terrorism legislation.

In February, Uganda passed  anti-gay laws, which state that gay people can face life imprisonment if they are “caught”. Following the passing of the controversial laws, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway and Denmark suspended aid to Uganda.

The US announced earlier this month (March) that they were lowering the amount of aid that they would normally give to the country.

The World Bank also postponed a loan to Uganda following the passing of the new anti-gay laws.

> William Hague “deeply saddened” by Uganda anti-gay bill
> Uganda health minister: ‘Gays can still access healthcare’
> Uganda gay activists: ‘Cutting aid will hurt LGBTI community’