Gambia passes legislation imposing life in prison for gays and lesbians

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh

The West African nation of Gambia has passed a bill which would impose life sentences for "aggravated homosexuality." Under the new legislation, charges could be brought against those who are "repeat offenders" or people living with HIV/AIDS.

Previously, the country sanctioned punishment for homosexuals with up to 14 years in prison. In 2005 the laws were amended to include lesbians as well as gays.

The bill currently awaits President Jammeh's signature.

Jammeh has a documented anti-gay past. In February, while addressing the nation on television, Jemmeh said, “We will fight these vermins called homosexuals or gays the same way we are fighting malaria-causing mosquitoes, if not more aggressively.”

In 2008, Jammeh "instructed" gays and lesbians to leave the country or risk being beheaded.

(source)