Gay in Africa

State-sanctioned persecution of homosexuals exists in 38 out of 53 African nations, according to Human Rights Watch. In Uganda, for example, the political climate enables a wide range of abuses and violations that seriously diminish the quality of life of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, most of whom seek to stay under the public radar. It also places many such persons in serious and extreme danger. More than two-thirds of African countries have laws against homosexual acts. In 2008, Yahya Jammeh, president of the Gambia, threatened to cut off the head of any homosexual found in his country. He also pledged stricter laws than Iran on homosexuality. In Iran, the penalty for gay sex is death. Gay people in Senegal, where homosexual sex is illegal, have reportedly been tortured in prison. Jamaica has been described as the most homophobic place on earth. Prominent gay-rights activists have been murdered, and the reggae star Buju Banton appeared in court accused of assaulting a gay man. The case was dismissed due to lack of evidence.