Zanzibar has banned men from braiding their hair and caused a controversy.
Men play drums during a celebration in Zanzibar, Tanzania on August 27, 2018. (Photo by Mahmut Serdar Alakus/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
The government said the ban will “protect” the country’s culture and values, calling braids “immoral”.
Two young men seen walking at the beach in Stone town Zanzibar. (Photo by Donwilson Odhiabo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
On June 12, the government announced that any man caught with braided hair will face a fine of one million shillings, around US$400, six months in jail or both.
The law dates to 2015, but the government is only now enforcing it.
A boy rests near his house as daily life continues in Zanzibar, Tanzania on June 30, 2023. (Photo by Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
After backlash, the government clarified on July 13 that the law is for young people in Zanzibar and does not apply to foreigners.
Schoolchildren during a break at primary school in Chaani Ndogo. Zanzibar, Tanzania. Tuesday, September 10, 2019 (Photo by Danil Shamkin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Authorities also denied the ban targets the LGBTQ community.
Boys swim in the water to cool off as people continue their lives in African Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar, Tanzania on June 30, 2023. (Photo by Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Two months ago, Zanzibar banned 16 books that pictured rainbow flags, which they said promoted LGBTQ rights.
