As of mid-2025, roughly 31 of Africa’s 54 countries criminalize same-sex relations, a figure reinforced by Burkina Faso’s new law enacted last month. Public opinion surveys underscore the social context for these laws: across 39 African countries surveyed by Afrobarometer, only 24% of respondents expressed comfort living next door to someone in a same-sex relationship. In nations such as Uganda and Ghana, the figures are far lower, with 94% and 89% respectively reporting discomfort or disapproval.

Political leaders and lawmakers find it difficult to ignore such statistics when drafting policies on the issue. What may appear as harsh measures often reflects deeply held domestic values rather than mere state coercion, making LGBTQ rights a flashpoint where law, culture, and politics intersect.

Burkina Faso has become the latest African country to criminalize same-sex relationships, with legislation taking effect on September 1. Given the widespread social rejection of homosexuality across much of the continent, other nations may follow suit.

In his speech at the United Nations in 2015, then Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe strongly criticized the “politicization of this important issue” and declared: “We equally reject attempts to prescribe ‘new rights’ that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions, and beliefs. We are not gays! Cooperation and respect for each other will advance the cause of human rights worldwide. Confrontation, vilification, and double-standards will not.”

His words seem reflect attitudes that have long persisted across the continent, translating into restrictive laws. These laws are often defended as expressions of sovereignty and moral authenticity, even though many closely mirror colonial-era penal codes once imposed by European powers.

Religiously speaking, opposition to homosexuality among faith leaders — both Christian and........

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