Cameroon tabloids
on trial over outing campaign

Two tabloid newspapers in the West African country of Cameroon are in court defending themselves against a lawsuit over a recent effort to out prominent public figures. The papers, quoting "reliable sources," alleged that dozens of politicians, entertainers, and religious figures in the nation are gay and that some had used sex with other men to advance their careers. Among the men targeted was Cameroon's communications minister, who told Voice of America that the journalists had no sources and would not be able to defend their case. Cameroon's Media Council has also condemned the papers, citing "insufficient ethics." The start of the trial was marked by thousands of antigay protesters who called themselves the "Free Youths." The group's president told VOA, "Our association wants here to make a petition where we have to collect 1 million signatures, and these signatures will prove that all the society of Cameroon are against homosexuals."

Homosexuality is illegal in Cameroon and can carry a prison term of up to five years. (Sirius OutQ News)