Seychelles took strides forward recently after lawmakers approved a bill that will add protections against hate crimes for LBGTQ+ people. Seychelles’ National Assembly made the provision to the national penal code in an 18-8 vote margin.
According to The Washington Blade, the provisions include protections for discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV/AIDS status and other factors. Under the bill, those convicted of hate crimes based on any of these factors could be fined or face up to two years in prison.
Though it is a small island off the coast of the African continent, Seychelles is considered an African country. These new changes to the law make the little island nation one of the continent’s most progressive in the realm of protections for queer folks. South Africa and Seychelles are the only African countries that include sexual orientation and gender identity in their hate crime laws. Seychelles decriminalized consensual same-sex relations in 2016, but same-sex marriage remains illegal in the country. Seychelles’ small moves toward equality stand in stark contrast to the draconian policies in other African nations like Uganda, where anti-gay legislation makes some offenses punishable by death.
“The changes to the penal code will provide new and meaningful protections for people targeted simply because of who they are, and encourage marginalized communities to report crimes,” said Téa Braun, Human Dignity Trust chief executive. “By enacting this law, the Seychelles has taken a strong stance against hate-motivated violence, ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society are protected.”
