Take a Stand against Hate to Protect the Rights of LGBTQI+ in Côte d’Ivoire

By: Hilmelda Tenkeu

Feminist Opportunities Now, together with its partner organisations and activists in Côte d’Ivoire, expresses its outrage at the rise in violence, hate speech and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) communities. We are deeply concerned by the increase in calls for violence and crimes targeting individuals because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Today, we call for urgent action to stop this wave of hatred that threatens the dignity and rights of so many people.

 

Sign the petition

 

This is a call for action and solidarity, aimed at mobilising the authorities, the media and civil society to combat hatred and violence against LGBTIQ people.

The Need for Urgent Action

We call on everyone to take immediate action to stop this dangerous trend. Hate speech, threats and violence have no place in a democratic society. Public figures and institutions must act decisively to protect all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We stress that the Constitution of Côte d’Ivoire guarantees equality and human dignity for all, as stipulated in Article 2. There are no laws criminalising LGBTIQ individuals in the country, and any attack on their rights is a violation of the fundamental principles of freedom and equality, as Marie-Jo, programme and project officer for an organisation that campaigns for the human rights of lesbian, bisexual and queer women in Côte d’Ivoire, points out:

“Calling for the eradication of the LGBTI community brings us back to Nazi rhetoric. Today we are in Côte d’Ivoire where, in the name of personal convictions, some citizens are calling for the disappearance of other citizens and believe that they should not exist. There is no justification for killing and using violence because we are against someone’s sexual orientation, the way they walk or even the way they dress. The state is guilty of what is happening, of all these excesses, by its silence and inertia.”

 

I take action

 

The Role of Government and the Legal System

The Ivorian government must take immediate action to enforce its laws against hate speech and violence. Article 226 of the Penal Code clearly prohibits discrimination, and the increase in attacks must be addressed through firm legal action. We cannot allow those who incite violence to go unpunished. The lack of sanctions creates a climate of insecurity for LGBTIQ people, undermining confidence in the institutions charged with protecting them.

What to do?

1. Sign the petitions: Join our partners in the fight against hate and violence by signing the petitions demanding stronger legal protection for the LGBTQI+ community.
2. Read the statement: Read the full statement from our partners in Côte d’Ivoire and their partners, which sets out the legal and moral obligations to protect the rights of all citizens, including LGBTQI+ people.

We reaffirm our commitment to building a future where everyone can live without fear, where LGBTIQ people in Côte d’Ivoire and around the world can live with dignity, respect and freedom. Together, let us reject hatred, protect human rights and build a society that values every individual.

 

Read the statement drawn up by three of our civil society organisations and their partners on this homophobic propaganda.

 

FON is a project that funds CSOs around the world to combat all forms of gender-based violence.