Africa: U.S. Concerned by Passage of Discriminatory Law, Arrests of LGBT Individuals

WASHINGTON, November 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

Jeff Rathke

Director, Bureau of Public Affairs, Office of Press Relations

Washington, DC

November 24, 2014

We are dismayed by President Jammeh's decision to sign into law legislation that further restricts the rights of LGBT individuals and are deeply concerned about the reported arrests and detention of suspected LGBT individuals in The Gambia. These reports follow the signature into law of a bill that imposes harsh sentences for the crime of “aggravated homosexuality.” The United States strongly opposes any legislation that criminalizes consensual relations between adults. We urge the Government of The Gambia not to arrest or detain individuals solely on the basis of their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, and to protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens to which they are entitled under The Gambia's international human rights commitments. We call on the Government of The Gambia to reverse the deteriorating respect for democracy and human rights.