Niger military junta #homophobia #biphobia #transphobia #interphobia agenzianova.com
Niger's military junta has enacted a new penal code that criminalizes homosexuality, as well as "intersex" and "asexual" practices, for the first time, with penalties of up to 20 years in prison. A judicial source reported this, citing the Niamey Official Gazette
According to the new Nigerien penal code, "anyone who commits or attempts to commit an indecent or unnatural act, or practices homosexuality, bisexuality, transsexuality, queerness, intersexuality, or asexuality (LGBTQIA+), maintains or attempts to maintain sexual relations with a person of the same sex, is punishable by imprisonment for five to less than ten years" and a fine of up to 100 million CFA francs (150 euros)," the text states. Other articles of the Nigerien penal code are even more severe, particularly those concerning "anyone who contracts marriage with a person of the same sex," a crime punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison. The same penalty is foreseen for "anyone who manages, directs, operates, finances, or participates in clubs, societies, organizations, or associations for homosexuals or LGBTQIA+ people"