Openly Gay Tunisian Politician Announces Run for President
Mounir Baatour, the openly gay head of Tunisia’s Liberal Party, has announced his run for the presidency – despite gay sex still being criminalised in the country.
The 48-year-old lawyer has been arrested several times himself and has campaigned tirelessly for LGBT+ rights. He vows his presidency would work against corruption and fight for the rights of all people.
“Tunisia needs a democratic programme that can include the different identities, cultures, beliefs, and languages of this country,” he said.
“Our programme aims to democratise power, strengthen the Parliament and give more weight to local institutions.”
Talking to International Policy Digest, Baatour continued: “Political will is needed to reduce homophobia in society.
“When in 1956 President Bourguiba banned polygamy, allowed abortion and adoption and banned the repudiation of women, at that time the Tunisian people were very conservative but there was enough of political will to impose these reforms.
“Today too, political will is needed to decriminalise homosexuality and fight homophobia.
“Even though the people are conservative, they will adapt to the reforms.”
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