Introduction Neither male or female same-sex sexual activity is specifically prohibited in Mali, but public laws may be used against LGBT persons. According to the 2007 Pew Global Attitudes Project, 98% of Mali residents said that homosexuality should be rejected by society, making it the highest rejection of homosexuality in the 44 countries surveyed. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_in_Mali)
Mali is the seventh largest country in Africa. The country’s economic structure centers around agriculture and fishing. Some of Mali’s natural resources include gold, uranium, and salt. After a long period of one-party rule, a 1991 coup led to the writing of a new constitution and the establishment of Mali as a democratic, multi-party state. Mali is considered to be one of the poorest nations in the world. There are no laws against homosexuality. It is not mentioned as a criminal offence in the penal code. Gay sexual activity is technically legal. However in a case in 1999 two lesbians where punished under the guise of violating Public Morals. There exist ‘Public Indecency in Sexual Offense’ statutes. (Three months to two years in prison and a fine.)
Name: Mali
Population: 13518000
Capital: Bamako - Pop. 1264000
Area: 1240192 sq. km/ sq. miles
Language: French, Bambara, numerous African languages
Religion: Muslim, Christian, indigenous beliefs
Status of Homosexuality: Legal
Telephone Country Code: 223
Gay Mali News & Reports, 2009/Jan/01
Time for Lesbians, 2007/Apr/20