Mozambique Scraps Colonial-era Homosexuality Ban | Al Jazeera America

30.6.15

Mozambique Scraps Colonial-era Homosexuality Ban | Al Jazeera America: “It's a symbolic victory, as social inclusion remains the main challenge,” Frank, a student gay rights activist who declined to give his full name, told Agence-France Presse.

The new penal code, which was announced last December by then President Armando Guebuza, also decriminalizes abortion after lobbying by civil rights organizations.

Women can now end a pregnancy until the 12th week. Extraordinary circumstances, such as rape or threats to the mother's life, allow for the procedure until the 16th week.

The code came into force on Monday, though no official events or celebrations were scheduled to mark the occasion.

The majority of African countries outlaw homosexuality, but Mozambique has seen little anti-gay violence or social friction over the issue.