Mauritius Supreme Court rules law targeting LGBT people is unconstitutional
Mauritius joins growing list of African nations that have decriminalised same-sex sexual activity
Watch a trailer about Ryan Ah Seek's historic legal victory toppling 185 years of state-sanctioned stigma against LGBT people.
The case, brought by Ryan with the support of local LGBT organisation the Collectif Arc-en-Ciel and the Human Dignity Trust, challenged the constitutionality of Section 250 of the Mauritian Criminal Code, which dated back to 1838. The provision criminalised ‘sodomy’ and anyone convicted could face a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
The landmark decision from the Mauritius Supreme Court not only changed the lives of Mauritius' LGBT community, but sent an important message to the remaining criminalising countries in Africa and beyond: these outdated and archaic laws must go.
Mauritius joins growing list of African nations that have decriminalised same-sex sexual activity
CASE NAME Abdool Ridwan Firaas Ah Seek v. State of Mauritius (2023) COUNTRY Mauritius COURT / TRIBUNAL The Supreme Court of Mauritius STATUS Judgment delivered on 04 October 2023 Summary Section 250 of the Mauritian Criminal Code criminalises […]
Over 60 countries still criminalise LGBT people. Help the Trust protect LGBT human rights this Pride by donating.