The Central African Republic is among the most tolerant nations in Africa in terms of LGBTQ rights. Being gay has never been criminalized there, the age of consent has always been equal to that of same-sex couples, and the country was one of few on the continent to sign a 2011 U.N. declaration seeking to end gender and sexual orientation and identity violence. However, one law applies differently to same-sex couples.

     An old, archaic law dictating "public expression of love" is applied differently by homophobic public officials to put gay couples in jail for something as simple as holding hands or hugging. We, the undersigned, recognize that the Central African Republic is a progressive nation dedicated to the principles of human rights.

     However, in this spirit, we also need to hold the world accountable to the commitments made to protect people and speak out whenever we see an injustice. This law dictating "public expression of love" is one such injustice, and seeing it end would be hailed as a major victory for equality and spark hope in a continent that has so much to hope for.

     We patiently, humbly, but eagerly await a reply, and we hope that the repeal of this law can be achieved to the benefit of all!