December 29, 2009

UNAIDS Asks Rwanda Not to Criminalize Homosexuality

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has requested Rwanda reform a proposal that would criminalize homosexuality under its penal code, AllAfrica.com reports.  

According to the article, a committee in the country’s parliament has recommended that the UNAIDS request be followed. If it is followed, the reform will conform to the United Nations Convenant on Civil and Political Rights.  

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and the International Lesbian and Gay Association had previously petitioned the Rwandan government to not include the anti-LGBT provisions.  

Efforts to criminalize homosexuality in Uganda and elsewhere are being fought by many AIDS activists who say these laws can interfere with HIV prevention among LGBT people.

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