Is homosexuality legal in Botswana?
Yes, Botswana's High Court decriminalised homosexuality in 2019.
Are there anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people in Botswana?
Yes, there are legislative and constitutional protections in place.
Is there Marriage Equality in Botswana?
No. There is no legal recognition of same-sex relationships.
What's life like for LGBTQ people in Botswana?
Botswana is generally seen as a socially conservative country, and there has been little visibility or acceptance of LGBTQ people. This does appear to be changing, with politicians beginning to make positive statements, and opinion polls showing that younger people in Botswana are more accepting of the LGBTQ community.
What's the history of homosexuality in Botswana?
Homosexuality and same-sex relations have been documented among various modern-day Botswana groups. In the 18th century, the Khoikhoi people recognised the terms koetsire, which refers to a man who is sexually receptive to another man, and soregus, which refers to mutual masturbation, usually among friends. The San people similarly did not regard homosexuality negatively, and various rock paintings depicting anal intercourse between men exist to this day. The Tswana people, a Bantu ethnic group who make up the majority of Botswana's population, also have a local term to refer to homosexuality. The Tswana term matanyola, which literally translates to "anal sex", has long been used to refer to homosexuals. Prior to colonisation, Tswana society did not share the Western concepts of sexuality and gender. Many Tswana men would have sex with men, but also have wives. Homosexuality was not viewed as an antithesis to heterosexuality. Indeed, there was widespread liberty to engage in sexual activity with both men and women. Traditional dikgosi (local Tswana chiefs) argue that homosexuality has always existed in Tswana society, and that such individuals should be respected.
This relative openness and indifference towards homosexuality disappeared after Botswana (then known as the Bechuanaland Protectorate) became a British protectorate in the 19th century and began enforcing Victorian era laws and social policies.
