Is Nicaragua Anti-Gay? Protestors in Eight Countries Say "Yes"

As other Latin American countries show greater support for gay rights, Nicaragua continues to outlaw consensual same-sex sexual relations. Last week, over what it calls the "criminalization" of homosexuality by the Nicaraguan government, Amnesty International held protests outside Nicaraguan embassies and consulates in eight countires-Germany, Canada, Chile, Iceland, Mexico, Paraguay, Sweden and Taiwan

Of particular concern, the group states, is an article in Nicaragua's penal code that can imprison couples involved in same-sex relationships for up to three years and is "vague enough" to punish anyone who campaigns on their behalf or even anyone who provides sexual health information or services.

Although Amnesty International says it doesn't know of anyone who has been prosecuted for these activities, it considers the threat "a grave violation of human rights." The group has also campaigned against Nicaragua's ban on therapeutic abortion, which was recently upheld by the Sandinista-led National Assembly.

The protests by the human rights organization is another reminder that whatever progressive views the Sandinistas once held have largely been replaced by a conservative streak. The revolutionary party attracted thousands of leftists and liberals in the 1980s (actor/activist Martin Sheen was a supporter), but today, conservative groups are rushing to its defense.

"Nicaragua remains one of the last Latin American countries to criminalize homosexual behavior, and is familiar with bullying tactics used by Amnesty and other international groups intent on destroying its pro-life and pro-family laws and culture," notes the anti-abortion website, Life Site.

From our observation, despite Nicaragua's strict laws against homosexuals and generally conservative religious culture, gays have little trouble expressing themselves, at least in larger cities. Gay men and transvestites openly walk the streets of Granada and although they occasionally are teased, it is often playful, rather than threatening.

A recent gay rights celebration along Lake Nicaragua was attended by families and children. The only argument was between two drag queens over which was better dressed.

Your Latin America Insider,

Suzan Haskins
for International Living

P.S. You can learn about Nicaragua inPanama next month.