Gay rights have no place in Zambia - Sumaili

Reverend Sumaili said in Livingstone that Government will not allow any organisation or political party to champion gay rights because such practices were abominable and an abrogation of the law.

HOMOSEXUALITY and lesbianism have no place in Zambia, says National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Godfridah Sumaili.

The Minister said during a media briefing that Zambia was a Christian nation which embraced Biblical values, hence the nation will not entertain political parties and individuals linked to the promotion of gay rights.

This was in an apparent reference to reports that a political party which was recently launched in Lusaka is linked to promotion of homosexuality and lesbianism.

Rev Sumaili said that is the more reason why the Ministry of Home Affairs has stepped in to investigate the reports.

“Homosexuality and lesbianism are an abomination in Zambia. The Bible does not allow that and it is very clear that Zambia will not entertain that,” Rev. Sumaili said.

She observed that currently, there is moral decay in the country and that it was from that background that her ministry is engaging the Church to preach more about the need for high levels of morality.

“When you look at what is happening today, there is too much drinking among the young people, divorce cases are on the rise, cases of spouse killings are high…all these issues are against the values and principles of this nation and so, we need to do something,” she said.

Rev. Sumaili recalled how certain sections of society condemned her recently when Government denied South African dancer Zodwa Wabantu entry into the country.

She said the decision to deny her entry into the country was based on principles and values of the country as a Christian nation. “I saw that girl as transport for demons into Zambia, that is why we refused to allow her to perform but I was insulted by many people over that decision. The Church was quiet on the issue and I was a lone voice,” she said.