Can the Decriminalization of Homosexuality Counter Religious and Traditional Homophobia in Africa?

This paper aims to analyze how the decriminalization of homosexuality contributes to the reduction of stigma against homosexuals in Africa in a context characterized by trust in religious and traditional leaders. Methodologically, we used a basic ordered probit regression with endogenous covariates and instruments variables, exploiting the Afrobarometer database (2023). The results show that trust in traditional and religious leaders increases the stigmatization of homosexuals. However, in countries that have decriminalized homosexuality, the stigmatization of homosexuals decreases, even when trust in religious and traditional leaders increases. This confirms the role of the rule of law in combating stigma and other forms of discrimination.