GCC embraces �Gays of our lives�
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday March 31, 2016 09:09
The motion, which was tabled by councillor Sergeant Kgosietsile of Marulamantsi ward, wants government to extend HIV/AIDS services, information and materials specifically to gay groups, who have previously been discriminated against or stigmatised.
“The Ministry of Health should provide comprehensive HIV/AIDS education, sensitisation training for health care workers, and stigma and discrimination-free services to gay groups,” he said. He also wants the decriminalisation of same-sex sexual relationships in order to eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with these and also for gay rights issues to be included in the curriculum of health care workers at training level.
Addressing members of the media after his motion passed by all but nominated councillor MacDonald Peloetletse, Kgosietsile said he was happy with the way things turned out. “I am delighted the motion passed, it shows that we are moving in the right direction in combating HIV/ AIDS, the rate has infected and studies show that people engaging in same sex were part of the statistics,” he said.
In support of the motion, Difetlhamolelo (Block 9) councillor Sesupo Jacobs said that one of their pillars as Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) stating that ‘no one is left out’ speaks of a system in which all citizens are entitled to protection under the Constitution and are brought to the social and economic mainstream of the society by accessing appropriate services that are beneficial and well managed.
Jacobs said there is no way in which the government could fight HIV/AIDS when it excluded other sections of the society.
“Ke nako ya gore re amogele gore re na le batho ba mohuta oo mo Botswana. Go thola re ganetsa selo se re se itseng kgotsana re se bone ga gona go re thusa ka sepe. (It is time we accept that we have these people in our lives. To continuously deny these facts would not help us in any way),” Jacobs said.
Jacobs added that, “We live with these people in our societies, we need to embrace them and create enabling and welcoming environment in our society and health facilities”. Government Ward Councillor Mohammed Sobhan said even though the motion does not speak of same sex marriage, it is a step in the right direction as the main issue is to deal with challenges that are imminent and that the issue of marriage can wait. Naledi North Councillor Oarabile Motlaleng said the issue should not be made a religious issue but rather a human rights issue. “I am a pastor and would like to urge people not to speak of Christian values when addressing this issue. People should be accepted the way they are. I have also been to prison and seen what happens there, if only men could get pregnant people would know that there is a lot of sexual activity in prison. We need to give those people condoms, “ he said.
For her part, Botswana Network on Ethics and People Living with HIV/ AIDS (BONELA) director Cindy Kelemi expressed joy at the development.
“We are happy the motion was acceded to by an absolute majority, even though its not their mandate to pass the law, they have power to recommend to Parliament to enact it, “ she said. Kelemi said they hope to see human rights champions in Parliament produce a favourable outcome. She said she was glad that Peloetletse’s dissenting voice was defeated dismally.