Members of Gabon's lower house of parliament have voted to decriminalise homosexuality.
If the proposal is approved by the upper house and president, it could be one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa to reverse a law that punishes sexual relations between people of the same sex.
Last year, the central African nation criminalised homosexuality and made gay sex punishable with six months in prison and a large fine.
Activists said that had sent the LGBT community further underground and had led to harassment.
Forty-eight members of parliament have now backed the proposal to change the 2019 law and lift the ban; half that number opposed the amendment.
Same-sex marriage is still not allowed in Gabon, where homosexuality is still broadly seen as a social taboo.
One MP in favour of keeping the ban said the lawmakers who had voted to legalise homosexuality had shaken the nation's customs and traditions.
Latest Stories
-
Donewell Life Assurance rebrands to Pinnacle Life Insurance: A new era of excellence
4 mins -
NDC blames ECG’s poor revenue collection for energy sector challenges
6 mins -
MEST Africa, Mastercard Foundation celebrate EdTech Innovations at Demo Day in Accra
11 mins -
AWA reaffirms commitment with FOD Walk during Safety Week
15 mins -
Kuami Eugene hopeful he’ll be first Lynx artiste to survive after leaving the label
26 mins -
Akufo-Addo seeks to use Bawumia to complete Akyem agenda – Asiedu Nketia alleges
28 mins -
National Cathedral: CHRAJ recommends investigation, contract cancellation, possible prosecution
32 mins -
Dr James Orleans-Lindsay wins Man of the Year at 9th EMY Africa Awards
34 mins -
Medical Council to enforce specialist distribution nationwide
1 hour -
Fire guts old Fadama market, man reportedly loses GHC800,000
1 hour -
Nacee bemoans low performance fees for gospel artistes
1 hour -
We don’t operate investment platform – GNPC
1 hour -
Ghana Fact-checking Coalition condemns disinformation on voting by Wontumi FM broadcaster
1 hour -
IFRS 17 will augment and accelerate NIC’s efforts to implement risk-based capital – Deloitte
1 hour -
IFRS 17 is one of biggest changes to financial reporting standards in insurance industry – Deloitte
2 hours