And Now, Rwanda

Perhaps inspired by Uganda, Rwanda is now moving to criminalize homosexuality.

Rwanda’s lower house will reportedly vote today on a revision to the penal code which would criminalise homosexuality. According to the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, the proposed Article 217 of the draft Penal Code Act will criminalise “[a]ny person who practices, encourages or sensitises people of the same sex, to sexual relation or any sexual practice.” It would impose prison sentences of between five and ten years for those convicted of homosexual acts. The “encouraging and sensitising” aspects would mean a ban on counseling and could impact on health services for gays and lesbians.

If today’s vote is successful, the Rwandan Senate will take up the bill early in 2010.