TUNIS - Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights have become a major source of political controversy in Tunisia since the 2011 uprising, bringing democratic aspirations into conflict with the country’s conservative norms.

The issue was controversially tackled in the run-up to 2014 elections, when some politicians, including the late President Beji Caid Essebsi, spoke openly against the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Five years later, conservative candidates are again speaking up against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, using the issue to shore up support with their conservative electoral base.

Constitutional law expert and presidential candidate Kais Saied, whose legal interpretation is generally conservative and often clashes with progressive modernist trends in the country, stirred controversy by accusing the LGBT community of “receiving funds from abroad to corrupt the Islamic nation.”

Many accused Saied of using homophobia to appeal to deep-seated prejudices as he attempted to gain popularity ahead of elections.

“I don’t understand from what angle Kais Saied is trying to tackle the LGBT rights issue,” said Ali Bousselmi, president of the LGBT rights organisation Mawjoudin. “His statements are absolutely homophobic.”

“When we speak about funding, the LGBT rights organisations are in favour of tracking the flow of money. In this regard, we have been respecting the regulations of the Central Bank and submitting audit reports on a regular basis.” Read more via Arab Weekly