Use of male anal testing to ‘prove’ sexuality slated

DAR-ES-SALAAM: Rights groups have condemned the use of forced anal exams on men to prove their sexual orientation.

In a new move, dozens of men suspected of being gay have been arrested and taken to hospital for the anal exams.

Homosexual acts attract a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. in Tanzania.

“It’s shocking that in 2017 people are still subjected to forced anal testing to try to prove their sexual orientation,” said Neela Ghoshal, Human Rights Watch gender expert.

She expressed concern over the use of these tests to find evidence to lock men up accused of homosexual behaviour. Victims often accepted the test for fear of being tortured, because of their young age, or because they were unaware of their rights, Ghoshal said.

Tanzania has in recent weeks embarked on a crackdown against homosexuality.

Deputy Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Hamisi Kigwangalla, last week told parliament that the government would seek to control homosexuality. “All (homosexuality is) illegal and lesbians will also be arrested whenever found,” he said.

Goshal, meanwhile, welcomed steps Kenya and Tunisia have taken towards ending forced anal exams.

Tunisia formally accepted a UN recommendation on this while the Kenya Medical Association has taken a public stance against the tests.