Leading rights groups around the world have made a special appeal to Gambia’s president, Yahya Jammeh not to approve new anti-gay law enacted by the country’s parliament last month.

Homosexual acts are already illegal in the country but Members of Parliament passed a new bill in August this year, imposing life sentences for aggravated homosexuality individuals found guilty.

International reporters say it not entirely clear as to what the new bill defines aggravated homosexuality acts to mean and risk becoming a draconian law if approved by the president.

The coalition of the rights groups advocating against the president signing the bill said they are against the law because the bill promoted state-sponsored homophobia against gay people.

In a joint statement by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW), it stated that the definition of aggravated homosexuality was vague in Gambia’s new bill.

“President Jammeh should not approve this profoundly damaging act that violates international human rights law, it only heap further stigma on people who are already marginalized and living in a climate of deep fear and hate in Gambia”, leading members of the rights groups said in a statement.

Homosexual acts are already punishable up to 14 years in prison in The Gambia and local commentators in Gambia say rights groups are concerned because Gambia is one of the best places in Africa for tourists around the world and some of these tourists might be caught in this new-yet-to be law. Gambia has one of the beautiful and clean beaches in Africa, attracting lots of tourists around the world.

The country’s president, Yahya Jammeh has said in the past that if he had his way, he will behead anybody who engages in homosexuality. Local reporters say it is likely that the president will sign the bill into law in the few days ahead.

The Gambia is a small country in West Africa which is surrounded by Senegal apart from a short strip of the Atlantic coastline at its western end. It is the smallest country on mainland Africa and one of the best tourism destinations for tourists around the world.

Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa News

Writer’s Email Address: Adamsisska@googlemail.com

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