BY – Abdulai Junior Bangura (Publish 13 July 2024)
The government and communities in Sierra Leone must be ashamed of their blatant failure to uphold the basic human rights of LGBTQ people. The government has shown its commitment to marginalization and injustice rather than equality. Its refusal to repeal archaic legislation not only criminalizes love but perpetuates violence, discrimination, and exclusion.
Community members, fueled by ignorance and prejudice, contribute to this toxic environment by harassing and ostracizing LGBTQ individuals. Instead of promoting unity and understanding within the community, they use religion and culture as shields for their hate, turning a blind eye to the suffering they cause. This hypocrisy in Sierra Leone is shameful and unbecoming of a nation that claims to value human rights and decent culture.
It is appalling that public services meant for every citizen are weaponized against LGBTQ people. Healthcare workers turn them away, teachers condone bullying in schools, and law enforcement often sides with aggressors instead of protecting victims.
These systemic failures highlight a government that is irresponsible and complicit in the abuse of its citizens, while communities remain too blinded by prejudice to see the harm they inflict due to ignorance.
The time for excuses and silence is over. Sierra Leone’s government and its people must take responsibility for their role in this injustice. Real change begins with repealing discriminatory laws, confronting societal ignorance, and demanding accountability from those perpetuating harm. Anything less is a betrayal of the principles of equality and justice. Enough is enough.
The corrupt practices and evil many people engage in within Sierra Leone are far more dangerous than LGBTQ individuals. This reflects poorly on the country, as there is no indication of sustainable development taking place. Instead of addressing these pressing issues, some choose to discriminate against LGBTQ people out of sheer wickedness toward humanity.
A government with no respect for the rule of law and human rights, coupled with a prejudiced community, perpetuates LGBTQ discrimination in Sierra Leone.
By criminalizing love and fostering oppression, the government enables a community that hides behind religion and culture to justify hatred and violence. This toxic alliance undermines progress, justice, and humanity. Real leadership and societal change are urgently needed to embrace equality and inclusion, as history will not forgive this ongoing injustice.
