Ivory Coast: Alassane Ouattara closes the door on the legalization of homosexuality

As debates on same-sex marriage increase around the world, Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara has clearly expressed his opposition to any form of legalization of union between individuals of the same sex in Ivory Coast. Citing traditions and national laws, the head of state recalled on July 8, 2013 in Korhogo, that this practice goes against Ivorian values.

At the press conference concluding his tour in the Savanes district, Alassane Ouattara left no room for ambiguity. “We have laws in Ivory Coast, we have traditions and so France does what is in line with its tradition. The United States as well, and Ivory Coast has its own traditions”, he stated bluntly, as reported by the daily newspaper Soir Info and relayed by linfodrome.

A statement that puts an end to rumors about a possible legal evolution in favor of LGBT rights in the country, despite external support. The Ivorian president, a devout Muslim, seems to be indirectly responding to the financial aid of 30 million CFA francs granted by the French embassy to an Ivorian NGO committed to fighting against discrimination based on sexual orientation.

An initiative that, according to some observers, has reignited the debate around homosexual rights in Ivorian society.

Homosexuality, between traditions and international pressure?

Within the government, some ministers have followed the lead of the head of state. Gnamien Konan, then Minister of Public Service, publicly denounced same-sex marriage, which he considers a “paradox” that signals “the end of the world”. For him, only the union between a man and a woman guarantees human posterity and respects cultural values.

This position is shared by a large majority of African countries, notably nearly 40 out of the 55 members of the African Union condemn homosexuality, sometimes with very repressive laws. In Ivory Coast, although the practice is not penalized, no law recognizes or authorizes homosexual unions, let alone their institutionalization.