July 26, 2016 | Health Matters

Tanzania stoops to banning lubricant

Tanzania is one of many African countries in which gay sex is against the law and where homosexuals are routinely discriminated against.

To add insult to injury, Tanzania's Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu announced that the importation of sex lubricant would be banned, supposedly in order to "curb the spread of HIV." This follows a crackdown by the new regional commissioner for the port city of Dar es Salaam, Paul Makonda,  in which night clubs have been raided and gay men arrested.

Of course the decision makes no sense. Gay men are not going to stop fucking because they can't get a hold of KY Gel. And using vaseline or oil will only make matters worse, since they damage condoms. In fact, the ban directly contradicts a UNAIDS recommendation that water-based lubricant be distributed with condoms to prevent the spread of HIV in high prevalence areas.

Another strike against the dignity and health of gay men. When will Africa smarten up?