–Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International, in an open letter to Chad President Idriss Deby. Last month, government ministers in Chad approved a draft law which would criminalize homosexuality, with proposed sentences of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $962 (500,000 CFA francs). Ministers were quoted as stating the law would, “protect the family and comply with Chadian society.” According to Shetty, by letting the draft pass through parliament without intervention, Chad’s President will, “deny people their right to privacy, will institutionalise discrimination and enable the stigmatisation, harassment and policing of people who are, or are perceived to be gay.”
Image Credit: Rama
These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!
You must be logged in to post a comment.