It is reported that the majority of the Malian population views homosexual practices as “immoral and evil”. Additionally, sociocultural and religious beliefs consider homosexual practices to be unnatural and therefore, an immoral act, see Canadian report on Mali, 2014. The 2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Mali states that despite there being no official law prohibiting homosexual activity, in practice, societal discrimination was widespread. Blatant homophobia is deeply rooted within society and the LGBTI community faces stigmatization and abuse, the worst of which is inflicted by family members. In Mali, religion and ancestral tradition influence the society’s views on same-sex practices, which are seen by the majority of the population as immoral and evil acts. As many as 98% of Malian residents believe that homosexuality should be rejected by society (Pew Global Attitudes Project’s 2007 report, World Public Welcomes Global Trade- but not Immigration, p.117).  Men who have sex with men (MSM) must hide their sexual orientation because even the least suspicion of homosexual activity can lead to abuse, disgrace, and dishonor.  The fear of discovery often leads MSMs to avoid medical care in the event that they contract an STD or HIV infection, which has resulted in a drastically higher HIV infection rate among the LGBTI community than the general population. According to IRIN Africa, the LGBTI community has a 37% infection rate (of the hundreds that were tested) as opposed to the official statistics of an infection rate among the general population at 1.3%.  The spread of infection among the LGBTI community is exacerbated by the fact that 77% of the MSMs questioned admitted to having unprotected sex. 

Religion is a large part of the reason why homosexuality is not tolerated in Mali. Over 95% of the population is religious and cultural beliefs towards the LGBTI community are negative. Homosexuals who are discovered are banished from society and are threatened with death and subject to all sorts of intimidation and abuse.

According to the 2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Mali, there are no ‘publicly visible’ LGBTI organizations in Mali. ‘The free association of LGBTI organizations was impeded by a law prohibiting associations “for an immoral purpose.”’  The NGO L’Association de Recherche, de Communication, et d’Accompagnement a domicile des personnes vivant avec le VIH/SIDA (ARCAD/SIDA) that tries to deal with HIV/AIDS prevention in Mali has faced public disapproval and they had to cancel one of their awareness days due to protests from the general population in 2009. In the aftermath, the organization has had to keep a low profile to prevent further disruption. Unfortunately, the stigmatization of ARCAD/SIDA has seemingly had a significant impact on the organization’s ability to productively do their work.

Recently, there has been noticeable change in recent years comes stemming from the consciousness raising of community organizations in the fight against HIV, such as ARCAD-SIDA, which has demonstrated the considerable vulnerability of these sexual minorities, see ARCAD-SIDA Mali director’s address, Nov 2021)

We have not found any relevant case law at this time but we welcome suggestions. If you have any suggestions, please get in touch.