CHAD: HUMAN RIGHTS TRENDS PERTAINING TO SEXUAL

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 000634 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/FO STATE FOR AF/RSA - MAZEL, GRIESMER AND DEES STATE FOR AF/C NSC FOR GAVIN LONDON FOR POL - LORD PARIS FOR POL - BAIN AND KANEDA ADDIS ABABA ALSO FOR AU E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM CD SUBJECT: CHAD: HUMAN RIGHTS TRENDS PERTAINING TO SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY REF: A. STATE 130765 ¶B. N'DJAMENA 576 ¶1. (SBU) In response to request in Ref A on the status of possible legislation that might criminalize same-sex relationships in African nations, we have examined both Chad's Civil and Criminal Codes. The Civil Code, which dates from Chad's independence in 1960 and which resembles similar codes throughout francophone Africa, specifies that marriage may only be contracted between individuals of opposite sexes. The Criminal Code, also derived from Chad's French colonial legacy, outlaws any "improper act, or act against nature" (acte impudique, ou contre la nature),as well as sexual relations with minors. Neither the Civil nor Criminal Code contains references to homosexuality, specific sexual acts, same-sex relationships, or trans-gender issues. ¶2. (SBU) There is no legislation pending, nor has there been any effort in the past to prepare legislation, with any bearing on same-sex relationships, sexual orientation or gender identity. This said, there is no homosexual rights movement in Chad, and homosexual behavior is frowned on by most Chadians, based on traditional mores and customs common among the Muslim majority and Christian minority. ¶3. (SBU) As reported in Ref B, the GoC has been working with international partners including UNFPA to eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination. Current public campaigns target underage marriage, wife-beating, bullying of girls and women, FGM, gender-based employment discrimination, rape, sexual harassment, prostitution, trafficking of women for sexual or other types of exploitation, and use of girls as soldiers. President Deby's wife, Hinda Deby, has been an active proponent of efforts to reduce GBV and other gender-related social problems. ¶4. (SBU) Attention to gender equality issues has not spilled over into any sort of debate on homosexuality, nor will same-sex issues likely have any effect on electoral politics in the lead-up to 2010-2011 elections. No GoC officials, opposition figures or civil society reps have spoken out on homosexual or gender identity themes, and no international NGOs are active on these topics. Given Chad's security circumstances, there is very little tourism of any sort, and no sexual tourism of which we are aware. NIGRO