Gay Rights In Angola: A Complex Reality

Angola has a complex history with homosexuality. In February 2021, the country decriminalised same-sex relationships, overturning a ban that dates back to its time as a Portuguese colony. The new law also makes discrimination based on sexual orientation punishable by up to two years' imprisonment. This move has been praised as a great step forward for the LGBTQ+ community in Angola and could spur similar changes in other countries in the region. However, despite these legal changes, LGBTQ+ people in Angola still face significant social pressure to conform to heterosexual norms, and same-sex couples are not legally recognised.

Same-sex relationships in Angola were decriminalised in 2021

Prior to the decriminalisation, same-sex sexual activity was criminalised under Articles 70 and 71 of the Penal Code of 1886, which included a vaguely worded prohibition against acts considered "against nature". Penalties for violating this law included up to 3 years in labour camps or jail. The fight for LGBT rights in Angola has been led by organisations such as Iris Angola Association, which received official recognition in 2018 and was instrumental in advocating for the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships.

The new penal code not only decriminalised consensual same-sex conduct but also included provisions to prohibit discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation. This means that anyone refusing to employ or provide services to someone based on their sexual orientation can face up to two years in prison. This sends a strong message against discrimination and is an important step towards ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation.

While the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships in Angola is a positive development, there is still work to be done to achieve full equality for the LGBT community. Same-sex couples are still not legally recognised in the country, and social pressure to marry a partner of the opposite sex and have children remains strong. Additionally, while employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is now banned, LGBT individuals in Angola continue to face harassment and discrimination in various aspects of their lives, including access to healthcare and education.

Overall, the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships in Angola in 2021 represents a significant step towards recognising and protecting the rights of LGBT individuals in the country. It is hoped that this will lead to further progress in achieving full equality and acceptance for the LGBT community in Angola.

Discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in Angola is now illegal

The new penal code, which came into effect in February 2021, overturned a ban on same-sex relationships that dated back to when the country was a Portuguese colony. Under the previous code, same-sex sexual activity could be punished by up to three years in labour camps or jail. The new code also states that discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in employment and the provision of goods and services is illegal and punishable by imprisonment of up to two years.

Despite these legal protections, LGBTQ+ people in Angola still face challenges. There is no legal recognition of same-sex couples, and social pressure to marry a suitable partner of the opposite sex and have children is strong. Same-sex commitment ceremonies are treated with disdain by the conservative government and national media. LGBTQ+ people in Angola have reported being harassed by those who believe they are immoral, and the government allegedly refused to accept the Israeli ambassador because he was gay.

However, there are signs of more liberal attitudes. In a 2017 poll, 61% of Angolans agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should enjoy the same rights as straight people, and 65% agreed that they should be protected from workplace discrimination. Two specific LGBTQ+ groups operate in Angola, and one of these, Iris Angola, received official and legal recognition in 2018. This group has been advocating for LGBTQ+ rights since its founding in 2013 and welcomed the legal reforms as providing a framework to address homophobic crimes.

Angola's LGBTQ+ community still faces challenges accessing healthcare and education

Angola has made significant strides in improving and protecting the rights of its LGBTQ+ community in recent years. In 2020, the country decriminalized same-sex relations, and discrimination based on sexual orientation was banned. This was celebrated by human rights activists worldwide as a growing sign of tolerance and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities within Angola.

However, despite these legal advancements, Angola's LGBTQ+ community still faces challenges in accessing healthcare and education. While same-sex conduct has been decriminalized, and discrimination outlawed, societal attitudes may lag behind, and LGBTQ+ individuals may still encounter discrimination or hostility from some members of the local population. This can impact their ability to access healthcare and education.

In general, there is significant social pressure in Angola to conform to traditional heterosexual relationships and gender norms. Same-sex couples are not legally recognized, and there is no specific law allowing transgender people to change their gender marker on official documents. While transgender people may be able to use a general provision in the Código do Registo Civil 2015 to change their legal gender, this process is not guaranteed and can be challenging.

Furthermore, efforts to develop educational programs specifically for LGBTQ+ people have struggled to receive funding from NGOs. The first association, Acção Humana (Human Action), was launched in 2006 but has been unable to secure funding. An HIV/AIDS educational program for the LGBTQ+ community is also just beginning to develop through the work of NGOs such as Population Services International.

While Angola has made notable progress in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, there is still work to be done to address healthcare and educational disparities. Local LGBTQ+ individuals may face barriers in accessing these services due to discrimination and a lack of specialized resources. Therefore, it is crucial to continue advocating for increased funding, resources, and social acceptance to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community in Angola has equal access to healthcare and education.

Angola's LGBTQ+ community is supported by organisations like Iris Angola

Angola's LGBTQ+ community has faced a long history of discrimination and stigma, largely due to the influence of Christianity brought to the region by the Portuguese Empire during colonisation. Despite this, there have been significant improvements in LGBTQ+ rights in Angola in the early 21st century. In 2019, the country decriminalised same-sex relations and made discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal. This was a result of the efforts of activists and organisations like Angola's first queer organisation, Iris Angola (officially recognised in 2018), which was co-founded by the late queer activist Carlos Fernandes.

Iris Angola is committed to defending and protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people and giving priority to key issues affecting the community, such as the right to equality, justice, education, and health. The organisation has launched a photographic campaign called "See Beyond Your Prejudice", which aims to give a face to the LGBTQ+ community within and outside Angolan society, promoting the inclusion of sexual and gender minorities while respecting their diversity and uniqueness.

In addition to Iris Angola, there are several other collectives in the country that are actively working towards queer memory and advancing particular goals. These include groups with a specific focus on trans people (Movimento Eu Sou Trans and Movimento T), queer men (Diversidade Masculina), lesbian and bisexual women (Lesbianidade Consciente and Angolan Identity Archive), and queer media (Queer People).

Despite the legal and social progress, economic exclusion, stigma, and discrimination remain common experiences for many queer Angolans, especially those who are transgender or gender-nonconforming. However, the growing number of organisations and activists working towards LGBTQ+ rights in Angola indicates a positive direction towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Angola's LGBTQ+ rights are more progressive than many other African countries

This reform is particularly significant given Angola's complicated history with homosexuality. Prior to decriminalisation in 2020, same-sex sexual activity could be punished by up to three years in labour camps or jail. The influence of Christianity, brought to the region by the Portuguese Empire, has strongly condemned homosexual acts. Despite this, there are signs of more liberal attitudes in Angola. For example, in a 2017 poll, 61% of Angolans agreed that gay, lesbian, and bisexual people should enjoy the same rights as straight people, and 65% agreed that they should be protected from workplace discrimination.

In addition to legal reforms, Angola is also home to several LGBTQ+ organisations, including Iris Angola, which received official and legal recognition in 2018. This group has been advocating for LGBTQ+ rights since its founding in 2013 and has welcomed the legal changes as a positive step towards protecting homosexuals in the country. However, it is important to note that same-sex relationships are still largely considered taboo by Angola's conservative government and society, and there is ongoing discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community.

While Angola has made significant progress in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, there are still areas for improvement. Same-sex relationships are not legally recognised, and there is no specific law allowing transgender people to change their gender marker on official documents. Furthermore, some LGBTQ+ individuals in Angola continue to face harassment and discrimination in their daily lives, particularly from individuals and institutions influenced by religious beliefs. Nonetheless, Angola's recent legal reforms and increasing social acceptance indicate a positive direction towards greater LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in the country.

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