It’s okay to query HH on gay rights

MUNDANDO

THERE is nothing wrong with people scrutinising Hakainde Hichilema over allegations of his support for gayism and lesbianism because he is seeking public office, a developmental and political activist has said.

Mr. Hichilema has come under fire from his political opponents, the church, and some sections of society for allegedly attending a meeting in Italy and consequently giving an interview to the Associated Press in which he allegedly called for respect for gay and lesbians’ rights.

Mr. Hichilema and the UPND have however out-rightly rejected the report, describing it as fake as he had never given any interview to the Associated Press and that he does not support gayism, lesbianism, or same sex marriages.

In his reaction to the story, UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma accused the PF of having doctored the story and singled out the ruling party’s media director, Sunday Chanda, of having been the one who concocted the lies and then challenged Mr. Hichilema to come out clean over the matter.

But speaking to the Daily Nation yesterday, Patrick Luneta, who is a political and developmental activist, urged the UPND not to ruffle feathers over the matter in their quest to put records straight by realising that as a public figure seeking for public office, Mr. Hichilema must be open to scrutiny. Mr. Luneta said just like the opposition had the right to question any action by those in power, they must also not feel offended when put on the spot as their characters were brought into question because they aspired to lead the country.

He said the UPND must not feel offended but clarify issues with a sober mind when their leader’s character comes under scrutiny because that is what they were also doing to those in power.

“As the most probable alternative president, it’s prudent that HH exonerates himself from the influx of reports purporting that he is in support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGQBT) and aspires to propagate their right once in office.

“Regards our national values and principles, it is one incident we must not turn a blind eye to. Insomuch as we must hold the government to account for the state of the nation at any given point because they are public office bearers, those who aspires for the same need thorough scrutiny,” Mr. Luneta said.