Human rights win the day
Friday, March 18, 2016
CoA Judge President Ian Kirby found it is acceptable by both parties that the provisions of the act are unobjectionable in constitutional terms. The ruling came four years after members of LEGABIBO filed an application for the registration of the association as a society, which was rejected by the minister. The organisation’s draft constitution intends to integrate a legal, ethical and human rights dimension into the response to the sexual, reproductive and health rights of all people without discrimination on any basis. It also seeks to strengthen the participation of lesbians, gays and bisexuals in the policy fora in Botswana at an international level.
LeGaBiBo hopes to assist in promoting and encouraging networking amongst Non-Governmental Organisations and individuals with similar goals and objectives so as to facilitate joint initiatives at problem-solving. It also wants to carry out political lobbying for equal rights and non-discrimination of same sex relationships. Moreover, LeGaBiBo wants to represent and act on behalf of lesbians, gays and bisexuals in the country at any level. There is, in fact nothing wrong with these objectives, which the organisation wishes will contribute meaningfully to the fight against HIV and AIDS and work towards the elimination of homophobia.
As such, we are now one step away from the shame of being labelled amongst the world’s worst offenders. This is a national embarrassment that demands an immediate, united response from every corner of our society. Pointing fingers is useless, we must all hold up our hands and play our part in the dealing with this matter.To our government and the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC), the call is for the to adopt decisive leadership and...