Nafis Sadique Shatil
The year 2024 has been marked by significant milestones and challenges for LGBTQ communities worldwide. From legal advancements to disheartening crackdowns, here are the top stories that shaped the year.
- Criminalization Efforts in Africa
In a concerning trend, multiple African nations moved to tighten or introduce anti-LGBTQ laws. Ghana’s parliament passed the controversial Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill on February 28, aiming to criminalize allyship alongside homosexuality. Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo delayed signing the bill, pending a Supreme Court decision.
Elsewhere, Burkina Faso’s Justice Minister Edasso Bayala announced the criminalization of consensual same-sex relations on July 10, while Mali’s Transitional National Council approved a draft penal code on October 31, further intensifying anti-LGBTQ sentiments.
Despite these setbacks, hope emerged from Dominica, where the High Court of Justice on April 22 struck down a colonial-era law banning consensual same-sex relations. However, legal challenges to sodomy laws in St. Vincent and the Grenadines failed when the top court dismissed two cases on February 16.
- Marriage Equality Gains Momentum
2024 saw significant progress in marriage equality, with Greece, Liechtenstein, and Estonia extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn approved a historic marriage equality bill on September 24, set to take effect on January 22, 2025. Meanwhile, Liechtenstein’s law will take effect on New Year’s Day.
The Dutch Supreme Court also ruled on July 12 that Aruba and Curaçao must recognize same-sex marriages. However, progress faced resistance in the Czech Republic, where lawmakers rejected a marriage equality bill in February.
- LGBTQ Political Leaders Rise
LGBTQ representation in politics made headlines. In South Africa, lesbian activist Steve Letsike secured a parliamentary seat on May 29 and was later appointed to the Cabinet by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
In France, Gabriel Attal became the country’s first openly gay prime minister on January 9 but resigned in July after a parliamentary loss. Ireland bid farewell to Leo Varadkar, its first openly gay prime minister, who resigned on March 20 after serving since 2017.
- Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Triumphs Amid Controversy
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won Olympic gold in the women’s 66-kilogram category on August 10, but her victory was overshadowed by questions surrounding her gender. Khelif, who was born female, faced baseless allegations that she was a man. The International Olympic Committee firmly rejected these claims.
After the Olympics, Khelif filed a criminal complaint in France against JK Rowling and Elon Musk, accusing them of aggravated cyber harassment.
- Mexico Bans Conversion Therapy
In a landmark move, Mexico banned conversion therapy, a controversial practice aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The Senate passed the bill on April 25 with a decisive 77-4 vote. Practitioners now face two to six years in prison and fines.
Mexico joins countries like Canada, Germany, Brazil, and New Zealand in outlawing the harmful practice.
- Germany’s Gender Self-Determination Act
Germany simplified the process for transgender and nonbinary individuals to change their legal name and gender with the Gender Self-Determination Act. Approved by the Cabinet on August 21, the law took effect on November 1, marking a step forward for trans rights in Europe.
- Russia Escalates Anti-LGBTQ Crackdowns
Russia intensified its crackdown on LGBTQ communities in 2024. President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning adoption by individuals from countries that allow gender transition. Authorities raided LGBTQ-friendly nightclubs in Moscow and Yekaterinburg in October and November, coinciding with National Coming Out Day events.
- Pope Francis’ Inclusive Outreach
Pope Francis continued his outreach to LGBTQ Catholics. On October 12, he met with transgender and intersex Catholics at the Vatican, an event organized by Sister Jeannine Gramick of New Ways Ministry.
Francis also reiterated his support for blessing same-sex couples, though not their unions. However, his declaration on March 25 condemned gender-affirming surgeries and “gender theory,” reflecting the complexity of his stance.
- LGBTQ Israelis and Palestinians Amid Conflict
The aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack highlighted the struggles of LGBTQ Israelis and Palestinians. Advocacy groups like Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance and the Israeli Transgender Association provided mental health and housing support for those affected.
Activist Rain Doe Dubilewski, who helped evacuate over 300 individuals from Gaza, lamented the lack of lasting resources for queer Palestinians, describing efforts as “like pouring water into the desert.”
- Trump’s Re-Election Alarms LGBTQ Advocates
Donald Trump’s re-election in November sparked global concern among LGBTQ activists. His administration’s past policies, including the transgender military ban and rollback of protections, have left many fearing the erosion of global LGBTQ rights.
Frank Mugisha, head of Sexual Minorities Uganda, expressed fears over diminished support for LGBTQ human rights. Maria Sjödin, Executive Director of Outright International, emphasized the need for vigilance in defending democratic norms and fundamental freedoms.
Conclusion
The year 2024 reflected the resilience and challenges of the global LGBTQ community. While many strides were made, the fight for equality remains a complex and evolving battle.