Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation recognizes the overturning of a law in Gabon that criminalized same-sex consensual relations in this Central African country. The overturning of this law, which went into effect in 2019, represents major progress for human rights in the country and the continent.

“Today’s historic signing of a law decriminalizing same-sex relations in Gabon is a pivotal moment  in the global fight for LGBTQ rights,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “Following in the footsteps of the recent decriminalization in Botswana and Angola, Gabon now sets an example for other countries that still have these dehumanizing and antiquated laws on the books. This critical win for basic human rights gives us reason to hope for more awareness and more victories across the continent.”