LEGABIBO

The Lesbians, Gays & Bisexuals of Botswana also known by the acronym LeGaBiBo or LEGABIBO is a Botswana human rights advocacy group with the primary objective of seeking legal and social rights for the LGBT community in Botswana. It is the first LGBT focused organization to be registered in Botswana after years of official opposition.[1] The organization aims to reduce discrimination of LGBT individuals and advocate the recognition of same sex couples for the purpose of adoption, accessing social benefits and same-sex marriage.

History

LEGABIBO was initiated in 1998[2] under the auspices of Ditshwanelo, a human rights NGO to be a side project that represents an informal community of lesbians and gays in Botswana.[3] Getting official recognition and legal protection for same-sex relationships in conservative Botswana was a goal of the informal group. However, registration of the organization proved to be a challenge in Botswana because government officials felt practice of same-sex relationships violates section 164 of the penal code[4] and others felt registration of a gay rights organization will create disorder in the society.[5]

In the initial stages of its existence, the organization failed to attract enough resources to sustain its activities until BONELA (Botswana Network of Ethics, Law and HIV), decided to provide some support. BONELA gave the organization support for its legal struggles and office space to coordinate activities[3] and host workshops to discuss issues affecting the LGBT community in Botswana. In 2005, LEGABIBO applied for registration, its first attempt to force the government to make a decision on its position and interpretation of the law concerning the registration of LGBT NGO's.[3] After two years, the application was refused. In 2012, the organization re-applied for registration with the Botswana's Civil and National Registration department but was denied registration on the basis that the constitution does not recognize same-sex unions and objectives of the group contravenes section 7(2) of the Societies Act. The refusal was challenged by LEGABIBO with the support of BONELA, the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC) and the Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa (OSISA). The group achieved favorable judgement in the high court in November 2014 and in the Court of Appeal in March, 2016.[5]

Events

Batho Ba Lorato

LEGABIBO host Batho Ba Lorato, a queer film festival to raise awareness about LGBT issues, promote freedom of expression and tolerance.[6] The third festival was held from February 28 to February 28, 2015 at the University of Botswana auditorium.

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

The organization with BONELA celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia and uses the occasion to raise awareness about human rights concerns. In 2015, the event was used to campaign against the mutilation of intersex babies.[7]

References
  1. Esterhuizen, Tashwill (2016-05-17). "Africa: Moving Towards a Culture of Tolerance, Respect and Acceptance of Sexual Diversity" (Press release). Johannesburg. Southern Africa Litigation Centre. Retrieved 2016-06-18.
  2. Scherer 2010, p. 110.
  3. Tabengwa, Monica & Nicol, Nancy (2013). "The development of sexual rights and the LGBT movement in Botswana" (PDF). In Lennox, Corinne (ed.). Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in The Commonwealth: Struggles for Decriminalisation and Change. School of Advanced Study, University of London. pp. 352–362.
  4. Scherer 2010, p. 111.
  5. "Botswana: Groundbreaking Judgment By Botswana Court of Appeal On Freedom of Association and LGBTI Rights". Pambazuka. March 21, 2016.
  6. Chuma, Thato (February 25, 2015). "LEGABIBO SHOWCASE FILMS AT THIRD ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL". Sunday Standard. Gaborone.
  7. Mokaeya, Mosidi (May 19, 2014). "LEGABIBO COMMEMORATES DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA". Sunday Standard. Gaborone.

Further reading
  • Scherer, Burkhard (2010). Queering Paradigms. New York: P. Lang.
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