Mauritius: Signs the UN Resolution on Human Rights, Sexual orientation and Gender Equality

Mauritius through the Prime Minister, Honourable Navin Ramgoolam signed the United Nations (UN) Resolution on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Equality. This has put the issue of homosexuality back in the limelight in the Mauritian society.

The Leader of the Opposition, Paul Berenger, in a Press conference declared that “It is quite evident that the government has voted the resolution of the Human Rights Council without having taken into account the legal implications for the country.”For him there should have been a debate at national level beforehand given the plural cultural/religious characteristics of the country.

For Amnesty International(Mauritius Branch), the message is clear for the international community – the rights of the homosexuals are human rights. Amnesty International – Mauritius Chairperson Lindley Couronne further requests government to repeal Article 250 of Penal Code which criminalises anal sex, thus discriminating against the homosexuals.

Nicholas Ritter, Director of PILS (Prevention ,Information et Lutte contre le SIDA), an NGO working in the field of HIV and AIDS acknowledges that it is a positive action towards human rights but hopes that this issue like the Sexual Offences Bill, does not get blocked by a debate which would link homosexuality to religion.

Chairperson of “Collectif Arc en Ciel”, Nathalie Ahnee a community based organisation fighting for the rights of LGBTI community, ” voting for a resolution is but an intention; it does not imply that there will be change in legislation”. Her position is that, for example, although the Employment Rights Act and the Equal Opportunities Act( not yet promulgated) mention that there should be no discrimination against sexual orientation,the problems lie in the other sectors of everyday life such as access to public entertainment places andcohabitation by couples among others.

The Prime Minister has announced that the UN Human Rights Committee will look into Mauritian legislation in order to identify the laws and practices that discriminate against persons because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Further to this, a Select Committee comprising Members of the Parliament will analyse the recommendations of the UNHRC and propose changes in legislation so that Mauritius be in compliance with international commitments it has signed.