LGBT rights in Burundi
LGBTQ rights in Burundi  | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Status | Illegal since 2008 |
| Penalty | 3 months to 2 years imprisonment, fine |
| Military | Unknown |
| Discrimination protections | Unknown |
| Family rights | |
| Restrictions | Constitution bans same-sex marriage |
| Adoption | Unknown |
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) persons in Burundi face legal issues not experienced by non-LGBT citizens. Burundi criminalizes same-sex sexual activity by both men and women.
Laws regarding same-sex sexual activity
According to an unofficial English translation of Article 567 of the Burundi Penal Code, a person who has sexual relations with someone of the same sex may be punished with imprisonment for three months to two years and a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 francs.[1][Note 1]
Recognition of same-sex relationships
Article 29 of the Burundi Constitution bans same-sex marriage.[2][Note 2]
Adoption of children
According to a website of the French government, single and married people are eligible to adopt children. The website does not say whether LGBT people are disqualified.[3]
Living conditions
The U.S. Department of State's 2011 human rights report found that,
The law criminalizes same-sex sexual acts.... During the year no one was arrested or prosecuted under this law. On May 17, [2011,] the Remuruka Center, which offers urgent services to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, began operations in Bujumbura. The government neither supported nor hindered local LGBT organizations or the center.[4]
See also
Notes
- ^ The official text of Article 567 in French ("Burundi: Senate Upholds Human Rights Principles", International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission, 20 February 2009):
Quiconque fait des relations sexuelles avec la personne de même sexe est puni d’une servitude pénale de trois mois à deux ans et d’une amende de cinquante mille francs à cent mille francs ou d’une de ces peines seulement.
- ^ The official text of Article 29 in French (Constitution Interimaire Post-Transition de la Republique du Burundi):
La liberté de se marier est garantie, de même que le droit de choisir son ou sa partenaire. Le mariage ne peut être conclu qu’avec le libre et plein consentement des futurs époux. Le mariage entre deux personnes de même sexe est interdit.
References
- ^ Itaborahy, Lucas Paoli (May 2013). "State-sponsored Homophobia: A world survey of laws prohibiting same sex activity between consenting adults" (PDF). The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
- ^ Article 29, Constitution Interimaire Post-Transition de la Republique du Burundi, Ministere de la Justice, Republique du Burundi
- ^ "Fiches pays Adoption: Burundi", France Diplomatie, French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Google translation
- ^ 2011 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Burundi, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State, page 25
External links
- International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission — Burundi information