A young Sierra Leonean man, Morlai Abu Bangura, faces grave threats and social ostracization after being accused of engaging in homosexual practices, which are illegal in the country. His case highlights the intense societal and familial pressures confronting individuals associated with the LGBTQ community in Sierra Leone.
Driven from his home and disowned by his family, Bangura has reportedly fled to neighbouring Liberia after his safety was compromised. Sources close to the family recount a scene of profound distress, noting that his mother was left weeping inconsolably after his departure. His father, Pa Abu, publicly disowned his son, vowing he would rather die than share a home with him.
While groups advocating for LGBTQ individuals operate with little or no official recognition, such associations remain broadly condemned across Sierra Leonean society. The nation’s strong religious traditions, rooted in both Islam and Christianity, widely view homosexuality as a grave sin and an omen of calamity. This has created an environment where not only the state, but also families and communities, act as enforcers of social norms.
“Members are now intimidated not only by family but by friends and community people across the country,” one source reported, despite there being no specific law banning the association itself. The constitution and traditional laws, however, prescribe severe penalties for same-sex acts.
Bangura’s ordeal reportedly began after he was introduced to the community by a foreign friend. His subsequent identification with the group led to his complete rejection. His current whereabouts remain unknown, leaving his family in anguish and underscoring the extreme risks faced by those accused of same-sex conduct in Sierra Leone.
