A group of young, gay Mauritian men are challenging laws against sodomy in their country’s top court. Najeeb Ahmad Fokeerbux, founder of Mauritian LGBT+ group Young Queer Alliance, argues the law promotes homophobia and violence against sexual minorities. He and the three other plaintiffs filed their application to repeal the law in Mauritius’ Supreme Court on the basis that it violates their constitutional rights and freedoms, going against the country’s equal opportunities act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
“All we want is the same rights are everyone else. By scrapping the law, Mauritius will be telling the world that all people are welcome and that they can come and be safe here.”
The group is prepared for a long legal battle, knowing it’s a step in the right direction. The next court hearing is expected on Oct. 14.
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