Anti-gay law in Nicaragua

Issue 

Anti-gay law in Nicaragua

On June 11, Nicaragua's National Assembly passed Latin America's most repressive sodomy law. The Sandinista bloc opposed the law but was outvoted by the right-wing forces of the pro-US UNO coalition.

By 43 votes to 39, the National Assembly passed Article 205 of the Penal Code, which reads: "An individual is guilty of the crime of sodomy if he or she induces, promotes, propagandises, or practises in a scandalous manner, the cohabitation between individuals of the same sex, and said individual will face punishment of 1 to 3 years in prison ..."

Only two UNO assembly members voted to oppose the Article and one UNO member abstained. All Sandinista members voted to oppose the anti-gay bill, which will become law if signed by President Violeta Chamorro.

Passage of the article caught the Nicaraguan feminist and gay/lesbian movements by surprise, since the article was added on to a progressive anti-rape law in committee. [Via Pegasus.]

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.