South Africa legalises same-sex marriage
by Jess McCabe // 21 November 2006, 19:24
South Africa has become one of a handful of countries to legalise same-sex marriage. Putting a bit of a dampener on that excellent news, however, the Independent carries a worrying report today about the prevalence of homophobia in Africa.
Partly this seems to be down to conservative social attitudes, but in some cases homophobia is being justified by saying that homosexuality is a colonial white import.
Male homosexuality is illegal and since 1995 President Robert Mugabe has pursued a "moral campaign" against homosexuals. He has said being gay is a "white disease". "Unnatural sex acts" carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
Founder of The F-Word, Catherine Redfern, has co-authored a new book with Kristin Aune. Find out more at the 
