New Seychelles penal code to include LGBTQ+-inclusive hate crimes provisions

Last week, lawmakers in Seychelles passed a bill to incorporate an LGBTQ+-inclusive hate crimes provision into the nation’s penal code.

The Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was approved by the National Assembly in an 18-8 vote, according to ‘Washington Blade’.

The hate crimes provision specifies sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV/AIDS status, along with other factors. The bill states that anyone found guilty of a hate crime based on these characteristics could be subject to a fine and/or up to two years in prison for the first offence, and a fine and/or up to three years in prison for subsequent offences.

“The inclusion of hate speech as an offense within the penal code (Cap. 158) is intended to address the incitement of hatred towards an individual or a group of people based on their protected characteristics, through various forms of communication or behavior, if the expression is deemed threatening, abusive, or insulting,” stated Attorney General Frank Ally in a letter dated July 1, which detailed the bill.

Image Credit: Canva

In a press release, the London-based NGO Human Dignity Trust noted that it has “provided legal assistance” to Ally’s office since 2020 to draft the hate crime components of the bill. The organisation also acknowledged Mark Walters, a University of Sussex professor in England, for “his invaluable expertise and contribution to the drafting process.”

“The amendments to the penal code will offer new and significant protections for individuals targeted solely because of their identity, encouraging marginalized communities to report incidents,” said Human Dignity Trust Chief Executive Téa Braun. “By enacting this law, Seychelles has taken a firm stand against violence motivated by hate, ensuring protection for the most vulnerable members of society.”

South Africa is the only other African nation that includes sexual orientation and gender identity within its hate crimes legislation.

In 2016, Seychelles decriminalised consensual same-sex sexual relations.

Read related myGwork articles here:

Activists Push For LGBTQ+-Inclusive India Penal Code

Mauritius Hosts Pan Africa ILGA Conference

South Africa Poised To Bolster Penalties For Homophobic Attacks, Hate Speech

LGBTQ+ Rights In Africa 2023: Progress And Setbacks

Keep up to date with the latest myGnews

LGBTQ+ professionals, LGBTQ+ Graduates, LGBTQ+ professional network, LGBTQ+ professional events, LGBTQ+ networking events, LGBTQ+ Recruitment, LGBTQ+ Friendly organizations, LGBTQ+ Friendly companies, LGBTQ+ jobs