Sexual Minority Rights
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Publication Source
Routledge handbook of democratization in Africa
Inclusive Pages
Chapter 31
Creation Date
2019
Publisher
Routlage
Document Type
Book Chapter
Description
Chapter Abstract:
This chapter will assess the experiences of sexual minorities in Africa, using a case study of Ghana to argue that the entrenchment of democracy does not necessarily correlate with better rights for all minorities, particularly for LGBT+ individuals. Contrary to popular rhetoric among many human rights activists and supporters, an enhanced democracy does not necessarily lead to the protection of the rights of all minorities. In fact, the evidence suggests that democracy can be utilized as a tool by a majority to deny the freedoms of historically oppressed populations. With this in mind, the chapter proposes that courts of law, both domestic and international, can act as alternative options for the advancement and enforcement of sexual minority rights.
Book Abstract:
This volume explores the issues and debates surrounding the ongoing processes of democratization in sub-Saharan Africa, illuminating the central dynamics characterizing Africa?s democratic experiments, and considering the connections between democratization and economic, social, and cultural developments on the continent.
Reflecting the diverse and rich nature of this field of study, the Handbook of Democratization in Africa features more than thirty contributions structured into six thematic sections:
- The politics and paths of regime development
- Institutional dynamics
- Political mobilization and voting dynamics
- The politics of identity
- Social forces from below
- The consequences of democracy.
Chapters offer overviews of the key scholarship on particular topics, including central insights from the latest research, and provide suggestions for those interested in further inquiry. The material includes attention to broad cross-continental patterns, for example with respect to public opinion, political violence, or the role of different institutions and actors. It also includes rich case material, drawing on and highlighting the experiences of a diverse collection of countries.
Encouraging a comprehensive view of key concerns and enhancing understanding of particular issues, the Handbook of Democratization in Africa represents a critical resource for experts and students of African politics, democratization, and African studies.
Chapter 18 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license.
Comments
Chapter from: Routledge Handbook of Democratization in Africa. Edited by: Gabrielle Lynch, Peter VonDoepp.