Strange Bedfellows: South Africa and its Most Queerphobic BRICS Partners

With Uganda and Nigeria joining the BRICS group of nations, South Africa continues to align itself with a coalition dominated by anti-democratic nations notorious for oppressing, abusing, and even executing their LGBTQ+ citizens.

BRICS was formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China as a counterbalance to the “Western dominance” of the US and European-led G7 bloc of the world’s largest economies.

South Africa joined BRICS in 2010, followed by countries such as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE in 2023. More recently, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Uzbekistan were admitted. This month, Nigeria and Uganda were welcomed as African members, further solidifying the dominance of anti-LGBTQ+ nations in the alliance.

Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Henry Oryem, stated that one reason for the country’s BRICS membership was to circumvent Western sanctions imposed due to its appalling anti-LGBTQ+ and general human rights record.

A stark reality emerges: more than half of BRICS members either criminalise or permit discrimination and human rights abuses against LGBTQ+ people. It’s an inconvenient and awkward reality that most of these countries do not share South Africa’s progressive stance on human rights and democratic values.

Here’s a rogues’ gallery of the most queerphobic BRICS members:

1. China

While same-sex intimacy is legal in China, LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships lack any legal protections from discrimination or hate and face state oppression. The state routinely censors LGBTQ+ expression in the media and online, with events like Pride and LGBTQ+-friendly venues often shut down. Activists advocating for LGBTQ rights face suppression and persecution.

2. Egypt

Same-sex intimacy is criminalised under public morality and indecency laws and is punishable by imprisonment. It’s not uncommon for LGBTQ+ individuals to be entrapped by police using social media and dating apps. LGBTQ+ visibility and representation are banned. In 2017, several people were jailed for up to three years for waving rainbow flags at a concert. In 2020, Egypt told the UN it could not protect LGBTQ+ people’s rights as it does not recognise that they exist.

3. Ethiopia

Same-sex intimacy is illegal, punishable by several years in prison, and LGBTQ+ people have no protection from discrimination or violence. In 2023, Addis Ababa authorities cracked down on hotels, bars, and restaurants associated with the LGBTQ+ community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspected same-sex relationships to the police.

4. Indonesia

While homosexuality is technically legal in most of Indonesia, in Aceh province, Muslims face public floggings and fines under Sharia (Islamic) law for same-sex acts. LGBTQ+ individuals across the country nevertheless face persecution under morality and anti-pornography laws. In recent years, Indonesia has adopted an increasingly conservative and repressive approach to gender and sexuality.

5. Iran

Iran is one of a handful of countries that enforces the death penalty, in addition to corporal punishment (flogging) and imprisonment, for those found “guilty” of same-sex intimacy. Advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights is severely restricted as is any LGBTQ+ expression and representation in the media and in public. In 2022, two LGBTQ+ activists were sentenced to death after they were found guilty of “promoting” homosexuality.

6. Malaysia

Malaysia enforces colonial-era sodomy laws with sentences of up to 20 years in prison. Sharia laws in various states also criminalise homosexuality, often resulting in public canings. Expressions of LGBTQ+ identity are outlawed and in 2023, the government declared a ban on LGBTQ+-themed Swatch watches, including boxes, wraps, accessories, or related items.

7. Nigeria

Nigeria enforces some of the world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including a 14-year prison sentence for consensual same-sex acts. In 12 states under Sharia law, same-sex relationships can result in the death penalty. Same-sex marriages and relationships are also illegal, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison. Expressions of LGBTQ+ identity are outlawed and involvement in LGBTQ+ organisations is punishable by 10 years in prison. It’s not unusual for LGBTQ+ people to face mob attacks because of who they love or their identity. Police often parade individuals arrested under homosexuality charges in front of the media.

8. Russia

Although homosexuality is legal in Russia, the state has aggressively clamped down on LGBTQ+ visibility, expression and activism under President Vladimir Putin. Pride events and LGBTQ+ media representation are banned. In 2023, Russia labelled the “international LGBT movement” as an “extremist organisation”, allowing the state to impose severe penalties on anyone deemed to be promoting LGBTQ+ rights, or even wearing rainbow-coloured items. By late 2024, Moscow authorities had begun raiding gay bars and arresting patrons and staff, while also arresting a man for allegedly running a gay travel company (he later died in prison).

9. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Homosexuality is illegal in the UAE, which includes the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Fujairah and Sharjah. Penalties include imprisonment, fines, deportation, or even the death penalty as well as chemical castration and forced hormone treatment. LGBTQ+ expression in media and public spaces is censored.

10. Uganda

Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act imposes life imprisonment for same-sex acts and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” It also outlaws the “promotion of homosexuality,” putting LGBTQ+ human rights defenders at risk of imprisonment for up to 20 years. Since the law’s enactment, reports of arrests, attacks, evictions, torture, and other human rights violations targeting LGBTQ+ people have surged.

11. Uzbekistan

Same-sex activity between men is criminalised in Uzbekistan, punishable by up to three years in prison. In 2021, Human Rights Watch documented reports that LGBTQ+ people face harassment, beatings, extortion, and abuse, even while in detention. In 2024, plans for an “LGBT propaganda” law similar to Russia’s were announced.

A Question of Principles?

As South Africa deepens its association with BRICS, its alignment with countries hostile to LGBTQ+ rights raises questions about its commitment to human rights. While South Africa’s progressive policies remain a beacon of hope, its continued engagement with oppressive regimes risks undermining its credibility on the global stage.

Can South Africa maintain its democratic values while in bed with queerphobic regimes? Or will it find itself complicit in the silencing of LGBTQ+ voices? These are questions that demand answers as the country navigates its role in this problematic alliance.