LGBT rights in Botswana

Laws against homosexual sex

According to chapter 8.01, § 164 to 167 of the legal code, homosexuality is an "unnatural tendency" and can be punished with up to seven years of imprisonment.cite news |last= |first= |url=http://www.sodomylaws.org/world/botswana/botswana.htm |title=Botswana |publisher=Sodomy Laws |date= |accessdate=2007-02-13] Acts of gross indecency are also punishable according to this article. [Spartacus International Gay Guide, page 1216. Bruno Gmunder Verlag, 2007.] Although homosexual acts are illegal, prosecution of such acts is rare.cite news |last=Mookodi |first=Godisang |url=http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/ccies/bw.php |title=Botswana |publisher=Continuum Complete International Encyclopedia of Sexuality |date= |accessdate=2007-02-13]

Protection based on sexual orientation

There is no protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Recognition of same-sex couples

Same-sex couples have no legal recognition.

LGBT life in Botswana

Homosexuality is taboo in traditional Botswana culture. It is commonly seen as a western, non-African problem.cite news |last=Mookodi |first=Godisang |url=http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/ccies/bw.php |title=Botswana |publisher=Continuum Complete International Encyclopedia of Sexuality |date= |accessdate=2007-02-13]

Botswana's primary gay rights organization is Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO). It has no official recognition from the government, and because it is not a registered organization, it cannot legally raise funds. A spokesman from the organization said, “the government has stated that it will refuse to register our organization because to do so would be tantamount to registering an organization of criminals."cite news |last=Mookodi |first=Godisang |url=http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/ccies/bw.php |title=Botswana |publisher=Continuum Complete International Encyclopedia of Sexuality |date= |accessdate=2007-02-13]

Footnotes