World News

Women charged with homosexual acts

Published: Feb. 24, 2012 at 4:22 PM

AMBAN, Cameroon, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Three women have been charged with homosexual acts in Cameroon, where such acts are illegal, a local reporter told the BBC.

The case, reportedly involving an alleged lesbian love triangle, marks the first known case in the central African nation involving women charged with homosexual acts, the BBC said.

The women, whose case was heard in court Monday and adjourned until March 8, were charged with homosexual acts in the southern town of Ambam.

Homosexual acts are punishable by up to five years in prison in Cameroon.

The BBC says it's unusual for men to be taken to court for homosexual acts in the nation but last year four men were convicted of committing such acts.

The British broadcaster said homophobia is widespread in Cameroon, and homosexual acts are banned in most African countries.

© 2012 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

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