Religion and the politicisation of sexual and gender minority rights in contemporary Africa : who’s oppressing whom?

Abstract

This thesis delves into the intricate web of the highly politicised and contentious discourse surrounding the rights of sexual and gender minorities in Africa. The prevailing narrative, often endorsed by political leaders with widespread public support, contends that diverse sexualities and gender non-conforming identities are inconsistent with an "African" identity. This narrative gains further momentum through religious sentiments, asserting that sexuality and gender adhere strictly to binary norms and that alternative identities contradict religious doctrines. Religion, in this context, is defined as a comprehensive system encompassing beliefs, practices, institutions, and relationships, serving as the primary source of moral guidance for believers. The intersection of politics and religion in the discourse on sexuality has profound implications for the rights of sexual and gender minorities on the continent. The study adopts Gloppen and Rakner's definition of politicisation, identifying it as the process through which a social phenomenon, specifically sexuality, becomes a focal point for mobilisation by societal and political actors, escalating into a matter of significant political importance, generating heated public debates, mobilisation efforts, and conflicts. Tamale's perspective is integrated, suggesting that post-colonial African political leaders manipulate the issue of sexual and gender minority rights as a diversion to consolidate despotic control and attain religious relevance for political expediency. Throughout the continent, there is a pervasive interchangeability of religion and culture in anti-queer rhetoric. The thesis highlights the utilization of religious narratives within Christianity and Islam, where conservative interpretations of biblical texts condemning same-sex relationships are prevalent. Christian perspectives often derive from passages in the Old and New Testament perceived as proscribing sodomy, while Islamic views generally regard same-sex acts as sinful, drawing upon the story of Lot (the 'people of Sodom and Gomorrah') as evidence of divine condemnation. Despite the protection afforded to sexual and gender minorities under international human rights law, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the politicisation of their rights, driven by religious considerations, obstructs their ability to enjoy the rights guaranteed in the Charter as equal citizens of the African continent. This thesis aims to unravel the complex dynamics at play and offer insights into potential avenues for fostering a more inclusive and rights-based approach to sexual and gender minority issues in Africa.