The gay rights movement has come a long way in the United States. Eight states have legalized same-sex marriage. But how far have we come compared to other nations?

“According to surveys included in the PollingReport.com database, an average of 50 percent of American adults support same-sex marriage rights while 45 percent oppose it, based on an average of nine surveys conducted in the past year,” according to the article “Five Thirty Eight” in the New York Times. Though many still oppose it and numerous states don’t legally recognize same-sex marriages, tremendous progress has been made.

Other countries, including a great number in Africa, are over a century behind the progress we have made. Homosexuals in Africa are subjected to the death penalty or imprisonment, so marriage rights are far from their minds. Only one country in the entire continent, South Africa, recognizes same-sex marriage.

Being a part of the LGBT community is punishable by death in Sudan and Mauritania. Imprisonment from 11 years to a lifelong sentence is administered in Kenya, Sudan, and many other countries. The least severe punishment is a one-month imprisonment.

“100 Pictures of Uganda’s Top Homos Leak.” The article released in Uganda two years ago, parallel to a hit list. An image of David Koto, who Clutch Magazine reported was brutally murdered for being homosexual, was showcased. The image was titled, “Hang Them.” This story was not one shared by the minority, but in a prominent magazine of the nation.

Brutality, such as “corrective rape” has been reported repeatedly in many African countries. This is practiced to “cure” woman from homosexuality by forced sex with a man. Last year, it was reported by the Think African Press, that more than 30 women were killed due to their sexuality within five years in South Africa.

Arguments are still being held as to why these particular countries cling to these moral and lawful standards. Ideas of religion, warped prejudices (of homosexuality being inhumane and worse than animal behavior), and “un-African” lifestyles are reasons made mention of. But whatever the reason, African judgments are being paid for in human lives.

In America, though everyone is still not considered equal under the law, we have come a long way. Our nation should be proud of the forward movement being made, and continue in that direction. As for what is happening in other countries, we can only hope that they will follow the path we are on, and cross the bridges we have crossed, for human lives must be saved before further rights are put under consideration.