Cameroon’s National Communication Council (NCC) has recently announced a ban on television programs promoting homosexuality in the country, citing cultural practices and national laws.
Joseph Chebongkeng Kalabubse, the president of the NCC, stated that media organizations airing content related to homosexuality would face severe penalties.
Under Cameroonian law, acts of homosexuality are prohibited, and broadcasting scenes associated with homosexuality is deemed unethical and contrary to the laws of nature.
The NCC specifically highlighted the prevalence of such content in cartoons that are frequently watched by children.
According to Cameroon’s state broadcaster CRTV, foreign media groups, including the Walt Disney Company, have been accused of representing homosexuals through shows like “Miraculous LadyBug.”
Such programs often depict women engaging in taboo activities such as kissing each other, which is considered offensive in Cameroon.
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The NCC has also vowed to suspend foreign TV stations that broadcast LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex) content in Cameroon.
Additionally, the council has called for immediate removal of any programs linked to homosexuality by local journalists, warning of potential sanctions.
Cameroonian laws already criminalize homosexuality, with punishments including imprisonment of up to five years for individuals involved in same-sex relationships.
Supporters of the NCC’s decision argue that it upholds cultural values, protects the dignity of citizens, and safeguards children and youth from practices deemed foreign to Cameroon.
This move follows the recent closure of several bars and public venues in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, which were perceived as LGBTI-friendly.
Police claimed that these places had become meeting points for LGBTI individuals, accusing them of recruiting young people into the community.
Human rights organizations have criticized Cameroon’s treatment of LGBTI individuals, highlighting the lack of protection from violence and the arrests and detentions of LGBTI individuals by security forces.
With this ban on LGBTI scenes in television programs and the ongoing crackdown on LGBTI-friendly establishments, Cameroon continues to face criticism for its treatment of the LGBTI community and its adherence to harsh laws surrounding homosexuality.
