Congo Justice Minister Calls for Crackdown on Homosexuality Despite Lack of Anti-Gay Laws

Congo Justice Minister Calls for Crackdown on Homosexuality Despite Lack of Anti-Gay Laws

Justice Minister Urges Prosecution of Homosexuals

Constant Mutamba, the newly appointed Justice Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has instructed public prosecutors to target homosexuals, even though the country does not have any laws against homosexuality. Mutamba, who assumed his ministerial position just two weeks ago, is pushing for these actions despite the absence of legal grounds.

Previous Attempts to Criminalize Same-Sex Intimacy

In April, while serving as a member of parliament, Mutamba proposed legislation to criminalize same-sex relationships, suggesting penalties that could include up to 15 years in prison. This proposed bill, however, did not advance into law.

Increased Pressure Following Ministerial Promotion

Upon his promotion to Minister of State for Justice at the end of May, Mutamba has continued to exert influence over the judiciary. He is advocating for the extra-legal criminalization of homosexuality, a move that has sparked significant controversy given the lack of existing legal framework to support such prosecutions.