We take great exception to accusations by Home Affairs Minister Edger Lungu that some Civil Society Organizations in Zambia are being used or about to be used to fight for gay rights in the county for money. To the contrary, our support for people with different sex orientation has nothing to do with+ the money the minister is insinuating. As the term gay right suggests. These people are no different from the rest of us in terms of rights and duties.
These people have such rights as life, good health, education, employment and protection by the state from internal and external enemies to mention but a few as provided for in the constitution that which we seek to protect.
As a signatory to the United Nations Declaration for Human Rights, the Zambia government has a duty to provide protection to all people in Zambia regardless of their status.
We feel no shame siding with people who have different sex orientation. We are not going to be first people to side with people with strange tendencies. Jesus Christ, the son of God side with people who had some strange tendencies. If we recollect correctly, the scriptures are full of stories involving the Son of God frequenting the house of prostitutes which earned him a condemnation from people that thought there more holy than the Son of God.
At time, he rebuked Judas Iscariot for resenting a prostitute who anointed his feet with expense oil at his feet, saying the woman could have done better had she donated the oil as the oil could have been sold and the proceeds taken to the poor. In response Jesus asked the other disciples whether Judas Iscariot really cared for the poor or he wanted the money appropriate money to himself after the said sale.
The people whose rights we are trying to protect could be compared to the weak people that frequented the feet of Jesus in the scriptures seeking help and support. Jesus gave us an example of siding with the weak when he said I did not come for the righteous and the strong but the weak and the people.
The vulnerable and the marginalized people such as people with different sex orientation need the people of everyone. That is reason the United Nations devised the laws under the UNDHR which we as a nations are a signatory.
We as a nation have domesticated clause which prevent victimization of people by color, sex orientation, religion, political affiliation to mention but a few under the current law. This allows people of different culture to practice religion, culture and social beliefs and activities. Zambia has 72 tribes plus or minus and therefore a practice of every tribe is respected as it is a human right. Capturing and collection of data is important for any citizen to make informed decision or public statements.
We feel it was unfair for the Honorable Minister to have threatened the civil society organization and those that discuss or will champion Lesbians, gay’s bisexual transgender and intersex (LGBTI) rights in the Zambia. It is not true that those who want to use money are wasting their time because the practice is unZambian.
We therefore wish to inform the minister that Dette Resources Foundation will not be cowed by the threat from the minister. Our organization will join other countries in protecting the rights of people with different sex orientation.
Dette Resources Foundation is of the view that LGBTI as human beings need to be treated with love, Respect and dignity.
The LGBTI in Zambia have been forced to live in hiding and isolation from man and not from God.
The issues of LGBTIs are not in Europe but are Zambian citizens. Besides, many of the LGBTI voted for Patriotic Front in order to have access to what is due to them .For instance, Non discrimination and equal access to health care etc. We shouldn’t wait for the nation to be struck and that is when we want to find remedies.
LGBTIs could be discussed to reduce such unwarranted statements and tension. Some government ministers are fond of uttering statements without reflecting on the facts which has made it so difficult for them to reverse after knowing the truth.
Human rights do not look at the face but is inclusive and interdependant.The issue of LGBTI being contentious is because we are so comfortable in burying our heads in the sand. A fierce campaign for families to discuss sexuality with their children is a subject to be discussed further as LGBTI are part of the families where it all begins. Just like any sexual practiced and sexual arousing is not defined in any religion, culture or tradition.
We humbly request the government and in particular Honorable Edgar Lungu to critically analyze Human Rights for the Gays and call all stakeholders in the Health, Judicially and the Human right commission to weigh the impact of LGBTI in Zambia.
Yours,
Jane Kaluba (Ms)
Executive Director
Dette Resources Foundation