Noose tightens around homosexuals
Friday, May 17, 2013
But the same cannot be said of gays in many African countries like Zambia, for instance, where the noose is tightening around homosexuals. In the face of perceived pressure from the European Union (EU) to be tolerant of same sex marriages or liaisons, there has been a closing of ranks among anti-gay forces in the country and the African continent in general.
The government, the church, traditional leaders and other strands of opinion opposed to homosexuality are increasingly moving in tandem to thwart any recognition of gays at a time when gay rights activists have attempted to portray gay recognition as a human rights imperative. In Zambia gay opponents are legion.
Khama’s announcement to take over as Kgosikgolo was met with jubilation by some, but it also exposed deep-seated divisions. The Bogosi Act, which clearly states that a Mothusa Kgosi cannot be removed without the minister’s involvement, serves as a crucial legal safeguard. This law is designed to prevent arbitrary decisions and ensure stability within traditional leadership structures.The tension between Khama and Serogola has been simmering...