By Mohamed K Jalloh
Freelance Journalist
While people are enjoying freedom of sexuality, members of LGBT groups are discriminated against, sidelined, embarrassed attacked and traumatized in the respective communities they live in. Often, they hide away from the public for fear of intimidation. Even advocates for their rights face similar embarrassment and attacks, both verbally and physically. Little regard is given to the protection of their rights, and this exercabates their situation.
However, advocates of their rights have not relent to make their voices heard. For many LGBT members, it is like they do not belong to the country, despite the fact that the government is a signatory to several international treaties protecting the rights of these groups and other vulnerable people. For some of them, they have been booted out of their homes by landlords when they get wind of their sexuality, and this has put more stress on their already precarious situation. For others, they have had to run away from their families and communities, especially in rural communities, where they are seen as demon possessed.
For those that have managed to survive in communities, they have had to endure huge discrimination and contempt from communities. They are taunted if they venture into any religious house or gathering, and are treated as outcasts. But what has been the response of the government to all these violations of the rights of this group of Sierra Leoneans? To put it mildly, none. They have been left to the whims of society. This situation could be interpreted as the government neglecting its obligation to protect the rights of every citizen, especially as it is a signatory to several international treaties protecting their rights and the rights of all other citizens.
It is the fundamental right of every citizen to enjoy the right to practice what they believe in without himderance, as long as they don’t infringe on the rights of others. Likewise, it is the obligation of the government to ensure that in the enjoyment of their right,s citizens are not discriminated against nor harassed. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for this set of vulnerable people. Their fundamental right to existence is threatened, and their right to practice their belief is muzzled. Government should ensure that the relevant action is taken to protect this set of citizens with the view to domesticating the international treaties signed.
As the new Parliament has taken office, it is time that the MPs realize that the government has entered into treaties to protect the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their sexuality and beliefs. As a member of a global village, Sierra Leone is under obligation to adhere to the treaties and protocols it is signatory to. It is hoped that the government will review the law and do the necessary adjustment to ensure that the rights of all citizens are respected and people are allowed to practice their sexuality unhindered across the board.
