Pamphlets discussing homosexuality, prepared by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Tunis to help parents discuss sexuality with their children, have been removed from the International Book Fair, it has been reported. we learned Thursday April 25 from its management.
“It was UNFPA that withdrew these brochures”told AFP Mohamed Salah Kadri, technical director of the 38e edition of the International Book Fair which is held from April 19 to 28 in the northern suburbs of Tunis.
“We expressed our embarrassment about the content of these brochures, and UNFPA representatives were understanding and removed them from their stand”he added, without giving further details.
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Contacted by AFP, UNFPA, a United Nations agency specializing in reproductive health issues, declined to comment. These brochures, produced in collaboration with the Tunisian Association for Health and Reproduction, explain to parents how to answer their children’s questions about sexuality. Questions about homosexuality have sparked ” embarrassment “ of the management of the Fair, relayed local media.
In Tunisia, article 230 of the penal code condemns “sodomy” And “male and female homosexuality” a sentence of up to three years in prison for those caught in the act. No repeal of this text promulgated in 1913 during the period of French colonization is on the agenda, despite multiple calls from local and international NGOs.
