Gay chief and interfaith activist Davis Mac-Iyalla has spoken out against the new law passed in neighbouring Burkina Faso that criminalises homosexuality.
On Monday, lawmakers in the unelected Transitional Legislative Assembly unanimously adopted a new Persons and Family Code, which includes provisions that criminalise homosexuality for the first time in the West African country.
Those found guilty face between two and five years in prison, along with hefty fines.
Mac-Iyalla Denounces Legislation
In a statement, Mac-Iyalla condemned the legislation in his capacity as Executive Director of the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA).
He said that IDNOWA “stands in unwavering solidarity with LGBTQ+ communities across Africa and strongly denounces the recent passage of a law in Burkina Faso criminalising homosexuality.”
The organisation described the legislation as “a direct assault on human rights, spiritual dignity, and the principles of justice that should guide any legitimate governance.”
A Tool to Divide and Distract
IDNOWA argued that the law is an attempt to scapegoat LGBTQ+ individuals and distract from the failures of the Burkina Faso government. The organisation added that such tactics erode public trust and deepen social divisions.
“LGBTQ+ people are not outsiders—we are part of Africa’s story, its spirit, and its future. Criminalising our existence is a betrayal of our shared humanity and a denial of the continent’s rich diversity,” said Mac-Iyalla.
Call for Leadership and Inclusivity
The organisation called on Burkina Faso’s transitional government to show true leadership by repealing the unjust law and redirecting its efforts toward inclusive governance, protection of civil liberties, and healing the nation’s divisions.
Mac-Iyalla asserted, “As an interfaith and ancestral justice network, IDNOWA affirms that every human being carries divine worth. We reject any attempt to criminalise love, identity, or existence. We urge regional and global allies to speak out, to protect those at risk, and to ensure that Africa’s future is built on freedom, not fear.”
Change Through Visibility
Mac-Iyalla has also campaigned against the introduction of pending anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Ghana, where he is a chief in the town of Yamonransa.
As an openly gay traditional leader—a rarity on the continent—Davis Mac-Iyalla has broken new ground through his visibility and advocacy for equal rights for all Africans.
