Botswana is both modern urban and simple rural, rich and poor, prosperous and challenged with both an anti-gay law and a playful gay community that breathes freely. The progressive gay organization LeGaBiBo is leading the way to a better future.
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966. The economy, closely tied to South Africa’s, and one of the most successful in Africa, is dominated by the fast-growing service sector, world-renowned mining (especially diamonds) industry, tourism, and manufacturing. Homosexual behavior is considered an “unnatural tendency” and can be punished with up to seven years of imprisonment. Acts of gross indecency are also punishable according to the law. Although homosexual acts are illegal (prosecution of such acts is rare) just being a homosexual is not illegal.
On February 25, 2011 an historic event happened when the Botswana Human Rights organization (BONELA) and the Botswana LGBT organization (LeGaBiBo) filed a law suit in High Court against the government claiming the law criminalizing homosexual behavior is unconstitutional. The case will be heard in 2019.
