Mauritius: Committed to creating spaces where people feel valued, respected and loved

The Young Queer Alliance in Mauritius is leading a transformative movement to dismantle discriminatory laws and advance equality. Their sustained advocacy resulted in the repeal of Section 250, a critical step toward dignity and safety for LGBTQIA+ people. This story highlights the strategic litigation, partnerships and visibility efforts driving long-term change.

The Young Queer Alliance (YQA), a national LGBTQIA+ organisation in Mauritius, developed a change strategy to tackle the systemic legal discrimination and social exclusion facing queer individuals. For many years, Section 250 of the Criminal Code criminalised consensual same‑sex intimacy, reinforcing stigma and preventing people from living freely and safely. At the same time, the lack of marriage equality continued to deny same‑sex couples legal recognition and dignity.

To confront these challenges, YQA built a strategy grounded in movement building, legal action, and public visibility. The approach centred on strategic litigation, sustained advocacy, coalition‑building, and media engagement. Through years of documentation, research, collaboration with lawyers and partner organisations, and increased representation in the media, the organisation helped drive a national conversation on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQIA+ people.

This work contributed significantly to the historic repeal of Section 250 in October 2023. The court ruled that the law violated fundamental rights, and the government formally removed the provision. This milestone marked a transformative moment for the community. Adults in same‑sex relationships no longer face the threat of arrest or imprisonment. The legal environment now affirms dignity, privacy, and equality.

For many individuals, this change represents hope, safety and recognition after decades of criminalisation. It also shifts the LGBTQIA+ movement into a proactive phase, focusing on marriage equality and comprehensive anti‑discrimination protections. The repeal strengthens the legitimacy of the movement, empowers activists, and encourages broader civic participation.

Sustaining this change requires ongoing monitoring, engagement with institutions, and community empowerment. Public awareness efforts, storytelling, capacity‑building, and stronger partnerships will support further reforms. YQA aims to ensure lasting progress through continuous outreach, leadership development, advocacy training, and collaboration with policymakers.

This work lays the foundation for a more inclusive future in Mauritius—one where every person can live with dignity, respect and full legal recognition regardless of who they love.

Quotes: 

Abdool Ridwan (Ryan) Ah Seek - From today, as a citizen and a human being, I am now free to love whoever I want to without fear.

Anjeelee Beegun - Today the Supreme Court finally recognized that Section 250.

Lisa Singh - The Supreme Court today overturned an obsolete colonial law.