Overcoming colonial heritage

For numerous former British colonies the independence was won in the course of the 20th century. Representative democratic systems have been set and inclusion in the global economy has been granted. However, some colonial era laws remained poisoning the citizens life. Among these the law criminalizing same-sex relationship is undoubtedly one of the most harmful. Luckily, as time flows former colonies tend to change their legislation regarding LGBTQ community. It seems that Mauritius, a small island republic in the Indian ocean is next in a row.

Mauritius current legislation is not that harsh compared to the neighbours but it still requires up to 5 years in jail for individuals attempting same-sex relationship. The law is, for sure, unacceptable and should be removed as soon as possible. To make it real a group of four plaintiffs headed by Najeeb Ahmad Fokeerbux has recently tried to challenge Section 250, Mauritius anti-LGBTQ law. “Gay and bisexual men face a lot of physical and verbal violence in society,” said Najeeb. Let us hope for justice to be restored at Mauritius to bring a harmony between natural and social diversity.