Security forces in Ethiopia are intensifying their crackdown on establishments like hotels, bars, and restaurants in the capital city of Addis Ababa, suspected of hosting gay sexual activity. The announcement was made by the city administration on Thursday.
This trend of heightened enforcement against homosexuality aligns with a broader pattern seen in various African nations where anti-gay laws are being rigorously implemented.
Countries like Ghana and Uganda have recently proposed even stricter laws and penalties against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Human rights organizations point out that Ethiopia's LGBTQ+ community largely operates in secrecy due to high levels of discrimination, and members fear violence and social isolation if their sexual orientation becomes known.
The Addis Ababa Peace and Security Administration Bureau, a government agency, stated that it is acting on information from the public to take action against institutions where homosexual acts are believed to be occurring. They have already conducted a raid on a guest house in the city.
The city administration conveyed its stance on Facebook, emphasizing that it will persist in addressing what it views as an “abominable act that is hated by man and God.”
While gay sexual activity is prohibited by law in Ethiopia, there are no recent records of individuals being convicted for engaging in consensual same-sex relationships.
Earlier this week, an LGBT advocacy group called the House of Guramayle expressed condemnation over a surge in attacks against individuals in Ethiopia based on their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.