Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David on the Removal of Death Penalty for Same Sex Relations in Sudan

Sudan passed a series of laws and amendments last week intended to reform the North African country’s justice system.

WASHINGTON — Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) — the educational arm of America’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization — issued a statement from HRC President Alphonso David on the removal of flogging and the death penalty as punishment for consensual same sex sexual relations in Sudan.

“The removal of the draconian penalty of death and flogging for consensual same-sex sexual relations in Sudan is an important step in the global fight for LGBTQ dignity and equality,” HRC President Alphonso David. “This change sends a clear message of hope to LGBTQ people living in some of the most hostile places around the world. But, to be clear, the fight is far from over. Same-sex relationships are still criminalized in Sudan, as they are in 69 countries around the world. And at least nine other countries still allow the death penalty as a punishment for same-sex relationships. We must continue to be vigilant in fighting for all LGBTQ people to be treated with the dignity that we deserve.”

 The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the country’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

Alberto Morales | Alberto.Morales@hrc.org