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Angola has decriminalised homosexuality and banned discrimination based on sexual orientation.

According to Human Rights Watch, the changes came on Wednesday when Angola’s parliament adopted the first penal code since independence from Portugal in 1975.

It passed with 155 votes in favour, one against and seven abstentions.

It is the latest in reforms under the administration of President Joao Lourenco, a former defence minister who took office in 2017.

Last year, the country’s only gay rights lobbying organisation, Iris Angola, was granted legal status last year after four years of operation.

Angola joins the Seychelles, Palau, Nauru and Lesotho in legalising gay sex.

However according to Human Rights Watch, there are still 69 countries that still criminalise same-sex conduct.

A tweet from Amnesty International said: “Angola has decriminalised same-sex relations, the first country in 2019 to take this important step forward. Thanks to the tireless efforts of LGBTI activists!”

Additional reporting by agencies.