Let us be clear on homosexuals. We have no problem with siding with the homosexuals. Whether normal, abnormal, or not homosexual, we still support them. But as an organization, Dette Resource Foundation (DRF) does not in any way support “homosexuality” acts as alleged by some quarters of our society because homosexuality like any sexual matter do not need to be championed. However, we, as an organization agitating for human rights and equal respect among people of different groupings, which include people with different sexual orientations, believe in humanity where homosexuals belong. We do understand that homosexuals as human being belonging to common humanity where everyone else belongs. People regardless of what they do in their own “insanity or sanity” still retain their God given rights. It is these rights present in every creature that we seek to protect in homosexuality. They do have rights that need to be respected like any other person in society.
By this virtue, homosexuals, as human beings deserve the protection and respect like any other person in society. Respect and protection we are talking about herein originate from the international law of which Zambia is a signatory. As a member of United Nations, Zambia has domesticated the international laws, which protect people at all levels in terms of them being human being beings.
Although our constitution is silence on matters of homosexuality, it does prevent victimization of any sort from any one including the state. Part Three of the current republican constitution gives protection to fundamental human rights and freedoms of individuals. Section 23 of part three prohibit different treatment to different persons attributable, wholly or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, tribe, sex, place of origin, marital status, political opinions, color or creed.
We still believe that, homosexuals are human beings whose rights are protected under the laws of Zambia, which houses the bills of rights. Like any other human beings, homosexuals have rights to health services, life, association, expression, liberty among others. Like any other human beings, these rights need to be protected in homosexuals as well.
We suggest that, as a nation dedicated to Christ by virtue of Zambia being declared a Christian nation, we need to reconsider our position on Homosexuals. Many of these people are outstanding professionals whose contributions to the nation have been commended. Besides, they are our neighbors, business partner’s brothers, siblings, and colleagues in various fields. Subjecting them to what has been suggested by some quarters will not only be inhuman but cruel as well. Let us show the fruits of the spirit and not of the flesh.
We therefore recommend to government, policy markers, and the general membership to revisit their position on homosexuals. We should find other means of dealing with the matter other than through the punitive measures. We would do better to allow these people to live freely. We need to make a different between the act, which is widely condemned by many, and the performers of the act.
Jesus, the man whose name Zambia has been declared, never condemned people, sinners or persons with different sexual orientation. While acknowledging the act as a sin, Jesus warned the people who were in the habit of administering punitive measures against people who perpetrated the act to consider their acts in the dark before condemning the weaker beings in society.
Just like the underprivileged to which the state has accorded special protection, the state should consider extending its protection to homosexuals. No one knows the exact reason that led him or her to venture into what is called illicit activity. Instead of punishing them, it will do well for the state to embrace them and find a better way to resolve the problems.
ISSUE BY
DETTE RESOURCES FOUNDATION