Zanzibar's gay commun ty fears tough new law will force it into twilight

[JoFerret]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/gayrights/story/0,12592,1229508,00.html

Sabri Ali sashays through the narrow alleys of Stone Town, the warren of 19th century streets at the heart of Zanzibar, attracting delight and disapproval in equal measure. Children glance at him curiously and teenagers mimic his catwalk strut. Some men give him hostile stares. A woman in a bui bui, the flowing black veil worn by Muslim women on the east African coast, calls out in Swahili: "By Allah, he looks fine!"
And he does. Sabri's eyebrows are plucked, his glossy hair is swept back and he has dressed for the evening in an olive-green trouser suit and a ruffled, black satin blouse.

But few gay men on Zanzibar dare to be so bold. Last month, legislators passed a bill bringing in stiffer penalties for gay sex, a sign that a mood of conservatism may be creeping over the traditionally tolerant island. As in most African societies, homosexuals in Zanzibar have been regarded with disapproval and scorn, but until recently there was a willingness on the island to turn a blind eye to discreet gay relationships.

Although, contrary to earlier press reports men convicted of gay sex will not risk being jailed for life, the crackdown has caused dismay among members of the gay community.
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[gottaB]

1. some proponents of Sharia argue that it needn't be repressive

but in practice, where is that true?

I don't trust Uamsho one bit. Recent stories:

Zanzibar Churches on Guard Following Attacks
Zanzibar leaders attacked
Zanzibar: Church Attacked as Islamist Zeal and Anger Rises
Zanzibar cleric acquitted of sedition

If the authorities and community leaders think they can placate Uamsho by sacrificing gay rights, they are in for a rude awakening.