LGBTQ+ People Are Facing Increased Persecution, Violence, Ethiopian Activists Say

Author: Trudy Ring

Law enforcement authorities in Ethiopia are targeting venues frequented by LGBTQ+ people in the nation, particularly in the capital city, Addis Ababa, in an effort to root out so-called homosexual activity, while LGBTQ+ Ethiopians are being subjected to violence by private citizens.The House of Guramayle is calling on government bodies to protect LGBTQ+ people and for “LGBTQIA+ communities around the world, allies, civil society, and international human rights organizations to stand in solidarity with the Ethiopian LGBTQIA+ community.” It also urges social media platforms such as Meta, YouTube, and TikTok to take down content that encourages violence.

“While similar increases in attacks against LGBTQIA+ communities are being reported by human rights organisations in other parts of the African continent, the escalation in Ethiopia is especially concerning due to the country’s religious history, current worsening socio-political climate, and growing nationalism,” its press release says.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest Christian bodies in the world, is deeply opposed to homosexuality. It was once the state church and is still influential, claiming about two-fifths of Ethiopians as adherents. Another one-fifth of Ethiopians belong to other Christian denominations, and the remainder are Muslims or practitioners of traditional African religions.

Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Trudy Ring